South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP)

Driving Energy Transition through Stakeholder Collaboration As India advances towards its decarbonization goals, the energy sector is undergoing a significant transition. Renewable energy sources, while critical to this journey, require grid-scale storage solutions to address their variability. Pumped Storage Plants (PSP) have emerged as a key technology to meet India’s long-duration energy storage needs.  On January 9, 2025, USAID’s SAREP hosted a Stakeholder Consultation on "Developing Market for Scaling PSP in India" in New Delhi. The event fostered a dialogue among policymakers, regulators, developers, financiers, and technology providers. The discussions focused on aligning regulatory frameworks, enabling innovative financing, and overcoming barriers to large-scale PSP deployment.  Key takeaways from the event: -Enhancing equipment and battery efficiency is crucial for advancing Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs), with a focus on innovative technologies to address long-duration energy storage needs, -Policy measures discussed included streamlining site allotment, establishing the legal status of PSPs, creating dedicated infrastructure, and prioritizing off-river PSP development, -Regulatory recommendations emphasized quantifying the value of pumped storage, notifying supportive regulations, and leveraging ancillary services from PSPs to enhance grid stability, Collaborative efforts like these are essential for accelerating India’s energy transition and ensuring sustainable growth.  #EnergyTransition #Decarbonization #PumpedStorage #SustainableEnergy #CleanEnergy #Collaboration #USAID #SAREP USAID USAID India Monali Zeya-Hazra Namrata Mukherjee Arun Kumar Himanshu Jain Akhil K. Vivek Bhardwaj Apurva Chaturvedi

As we step into 2025, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year to all our partners and stakeholders. The past year was marked by remarkable achievements. From advancing energy security to championing clean energy solutions and fostering impactful regional collaborations, we are proud of what we have accomplished together. A new year holds the promise of new opportunities, innovation, and catalyzed progress in addressing the region’s energy challenges. ✨ Wishing a prosperous and fulfilling New Year! ✨ #HappyNewYear2025 #EnergySecurity #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Collaboration #Innovation #USAID #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #EnergyEfficiency #GreenFuture #Resilience #GlobalImpact USAID, USAID India, South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH), Apurva Chaturvedi, Monali Zeya-Hazra, Namrata Mukherjee, RAJIV RATNA PANDA, Vivek Bhardwaj, Deepanker Bishnoi, Ajay Rawat, Mayank Bhardwaj, Naveen Devnani, Farah Ahmed, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry Of Heavy Industries Power Finance Corporation Ltd., NTPC Limited, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Cerc), Grid Controller of India Limited, Indian Railways, Vishal Kapoor, NITI Aayog, Convergence Energy Services Limited, Invest India, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, Bhutan, Royal Government of Bhutan, Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources, Bangladesh Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Maldives, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Utility Regulatory Authority - Maldives, Ministry of Power and Energy

Building on the release of the NTPC’s Roadmap on Net Zero Energy, Water and Waste for all of NTPC’s townships and offices; NTPC Limited and USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), conducted a three-day capacity building training program for 41 NTPC officials from December 18–20, 2024. The session focused on actions to be implemented for achieving Net Zero. An exposure visit to NTPC’s NETRA office (a provisionally Net Zero Energy Certified) building was also conducted. This training is part of institutional strengthening of NTPC achieving Net Zero Scope 2 emissions. USAID India Sangeeta Kaushik, Apurva Chaturvedi Monali Zeya-Hazra Namrata Mukherjee Siddharth jain tanmay tathagat Nidhi Gupta Abhishek Jain Vandana Singh Shahzeb Ejaz Hussain Sanjay Antony #NetZero #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Decarbonization #ClimateAction #GreenInfrastructure #EnergyTransition #WaterManagement #WasteManagement #Leadership #CarbonNeutrality

One of the most pressing global challenges, clean energy transition demands innovative solutions to meet growing energy needs while minimizing environmental impact. Watch Mayank Bhardwaj, Objective Lead, Mobilizing Investments, USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) explain how demand aggregation has become a key enabler in clean energy transition and its successful deployment in renewable energy projects. #cleanenergytransition #demandaggregation #SouthAsia #CleanEnergySolutions #EnergyInvestments USAID USAID India Monali Zeya-Hazra Apurva Chaturvedi Namrata Mukherjee

The four-day capacity-building session on Tariff Determination Methodology, organized by USAID's SAREP for the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) of Bhutan, held from December 16 to December 19 in Thimphu, concluded successfully. The session equipped participants with practical skills and valuable insights into retail tariff determination. Key highlights of the session included: - Exploring various tariff determination methodologies and global best practices - Deepening understanding of the true-up process, power purchase price adjustments, and their impacts on consumers. This session sets a strong foundation for Bhutan to have cost-reflective tariffs while gaining insights into best practices from around the world. 🌏⚡#CapacityBuilding #Tariff #Distribution #Energy #RegulatoryReform #EnergyRegulation #ShapingTheFuture USAID, USAID India, Apurva Chaturvedi, Monali Zeya-Hazra, Namrata Mukherjee, Deki Choden, Shivali Dwivedi,  Akhil K., Yeshi Wangdi, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, Bhutan, Electricity Regulatory Authority Prabir Neogi

At the #SAWIESummit2024 we discussed "Women Leadership in Renewable Energy: Opportunities & Challenges" The session brought together distinguished leaders and experts to discuss the pivotal role of women in shaping the renewable energy sector and the opportunities and challenges they face in leadership roles. Dr. Tripta Thakur, Director General, National Power Training Institute (NPTI), Official emphasized the importance of data collection to assess women’s participation in the workforce and their access to capacity-building programs. She highlighted mentorship and confidence-building as essential tools to empower women and drive their professional growth in the energy sector. Ms. Gauri J., Executive Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights, underscored the multi-dimensional factors influencing energy demand economics, politics, geopolitics, and social issues. She encouraged creating leadership opportunities, impactful storytelling, and knowledge-sharing to showcase the transformative potential of the energy industry and inspire more women to take leadership roles. Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute emphasised the need for gender consciousness to address inequality and ensure inclusive progress. She described the energy sector as a unique intersection of sociology, economics, politics, and international relations, where equitable participation can drive meaningful change. Ms. Mahua Acharya, Founder CEO, INTENT Platform reinforced the need for a gender-neutral energy sector and highlighted the importance of collaboration and inclusive practices to create a more equitable industry. Dr. Rachana Garg, Head of Electrical Engineering, Delhi Technological University (DTU) focused on the untapped potential of women in renewable energy. She called on women to step forward and actively participate in the transition to a sustainable energy future, particularly in academia and research. She encouraged female students and professionals to recognize their capacity to make a difference and build a future that is inclusive and impactful. USAID USAID India South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH) Vaishali Nigam Sinha Monali Zeya-Hazra Nivedita Mehra Ripu Bhanjan Singh South Asia Women In Energy (SAWIE)

Dr. Steven-Olive, Mission Director, USAID/India, shared USAID’s commitment to empowering women leaders in the energy sector and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society while women continue to fight for equal rights and opportunities in their homes, communities and workplaces. The 3rd edition of #SAWIESummit2024 reminds us of the progress we’ve made and the path that we still need to walk together. As we reflect on the pivotal role that women must play in addressing the climate crisis and advancing sustainable energy solutions, he underscored the transformative power of investing in women, not as beneficiaries but as architects of the future we seek to build. USAID USAID India South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH) Vaishali Nigam Sinha Monali Zeya-Hazra Nivedita Mehra Ripu Bhanjan Singh South Asia Women In Energy (SAWIE)

Ambassador Eric Garcetti, United States Ambassador to the Republic of India, remarked on the enduring U.S.-India collaboration in energy and sustainability, focussing on the planet, as it is the cradle of our health and environment. He reaffirmed that the #SAWIESummit2024 highlighted a central truth that preserving our planet requires us to face challenges that really know no boundaries; climate change, public health threats, and the demand for sustainable energy are the biggest threats that we've lived through in recent history. He also emphasized that it doesn't matter if we live in Los Angeles or Lucknow, in Boston or Bengaluru, the health of our families, the stability of our communities, the sustainability of our planet depend on the work that we are doing, how we share our best practices and expertise, and invest in our collective resilience. USAID USAID India South Asia Women In Energy (SAWIE) South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH) Ripu Bhanjan Singh Vaishali Nigam Sinha Nivedita Mehra Monali Zeya-Hazra South Asia Women In Energy (SAWIE)

Tariff Determination Training: Empowering ERA, Bhutan for Informed Decision-Making USAID, through its South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Program, is organizing a four-day capacity-building session for the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) of Bhutan from December 16-19, focusing on Tariff Determination Methodology. This engaging session will facilitate hands-on learning and dynamic discussions. Participants will explore various tariff determination methodologies, including concepts like true-up, power purchase adjustments, and other critical regulatory aspects, providing them with practical skills and valuable insights to enhance their expertise.🌟⚡ #CapacityBuilding #Tariff #Distribution #Energy #RegulatoryReform #EnergyRegulation #ShapingTheFuture USAID, USAID India, Apurva Chaturvedi , Monali Zeya-Hazra, Namrata Mukherjee, Deki Choden , Shivali Dwivedi, Akhil K. , Yeshi Wangdi Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, Bhutan, Electricity Regulatory Authority

USAID's South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) is proud to partner with Energy Efficiency Services Limited on the launch of the #UrjaVeer initiative.  This nation-wide initiative, announced in #AndhraPradesh, is cultivating a network of #energyefficiency champions across India to drive change from the grassroots up, making energy efficiency a household term and a lifestyle choice. Till date, ~13,000 Urjaveers from diverse backgrounds have been equipped with training material and toolkits developed through the SAREP Program. Making progress, the responsible way. #GrowthWithPurpose #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableConsumption #Urjaveer #GreenEconomy #InclusiveGrowth #BijliBachaoPaiseKamao Nara Chandrababu Naidu Manohar Lal GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH Vishal Kapoor Apurva Chaturvedi Monali Zeya-Hazra USAID India Kiranjee gandham Lakshmi Ganesh Kamath tanmay tathagat Nidhi Gupta Siddharth jain