Energy transition in megacities towards 100% renewable energy: A case for Delhi

The transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy is critical in preventing perilous climate change, and cities around the world have a significant role in enabling this transition. Cities are innately centres of human, economic and intellectual capital, also contributing to the growing energy demand around the world. This research is a first of its kind to explore the technical feasibility and economic viability of 100% renewable energy systems including power, heat, transport and desalination sectors for a global megacity like Delhi within the North Indian grid region. It presents a technology-rich, multisectoral, multi-regional and cost-optimal energy transition pathway for Delhi, which is a hub within the regional energy system. The results of this research indicate that a megacity such as Delhi can benefit and drive a regional energy transition, with reduction in primary energy of over 40%, reduction in energy costs by over 25%, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and associated health costs. While creating more than three times the number of direct energy jobs as of today across North India and Delhi. With the case of Delhi within the North Indian grid, this research provides snapshots of the current and future energy landscapes and discusses several aspects of an energy transition pathway that could lead to an affordable, efficient, sustainable and secure energy future for megacities around the world.(c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

The transition to renewable energy is crucial for combating climate change, and cities, such as Delhi, can play a significant role in driving this transition. This research examines the technical and economic feasibility of achieving 100% renewable energy systems in Delhi, demonstrating the potential benefits of reduced primary energy, lower energy costs, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The study also highlights the job creation potential of the renewable energy sector.