CLEWS model for India: Urbanisation and Rooftop solar scenarios

Energy, land, and water systems in India were modelled to assess urbanisation and energy decentralisation scenarios from years 2020 to 2070. The business as usual (BAU) finds that energy costs are expected to rise, due primarily to contribution from nuclear power. Furthermore, food demand is expected to double in 2070. Rapid urbanisation scenarios point to increasing deforestation, strain on water resources mainly driven by food and public water demand. Energy decentralisation scenarios suggest partial replacement of nuclear fuel with rooftop solar.

The policy recommendations for India are-

1.    Invest in agricultural technologies to improve yields, irrigation technologies for optimum use of water.

2.    Deploy rooftop solar aggressively to mitigate higher energy costs in future.