Like other peers, India has increasingly started focusing on securing critical minerals for its energy and industrial sectors. From lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, these minerals are essential for clean technologies like batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. As the world races to secure these resources, India is looking to position itself strategically. But, how big is India’s mining sector today, and how much could it grow in response to rising global demand? Can India realistically find its space when China and the West are in a geopolitical race for critical minerals? What does India’s evolving critical minerals policy look like, and who are the major players – especially state-owned enterprises?.To help us unpack these questions, we speak with Abhinav Sengupta, energy and mining expert who brings deep insights into India’s policy and industrial strategy around critical minerals.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRz9FA6Ebl7M_xBZZnb4khlWW8eBIreMRPt1CQ6zzkUzxfw-akeWdVZTtFDwyhmZI-Cs1z7Ci3OHrVG/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Abhinav Sengupta is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinavsengupta85/'>LinkedIn</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

He is an award-winning journalist and researcher and author of a book “Total Transition: The Human Side of the Renewable Energy Revolution.”

Sandeep Pai

From Mines to Markets: Unpacking India’s Critical Mineral Strategy | ft. Abhinav Sengupta

Methane is often overlooked in the climate change discourse, as against carbon. Methane is over 80 times more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period. Released from sources like livestock, landfills, and leaky oil and gas infrastructure, methane is a tricky problem to solve.In this episode we understand what methane emissions are and how to plug them. Cutting methane emissions can be one the fastest ways to slow global warming.For this relevant issue, we talked with Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor in India to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Mundol is a seasoned development sector executive with experience in both government and private entities.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRfeyq_pD1TgMgt_QRCPs9MZMH-o5WSUZ4qG1fdDI8wwkDMnj4kuQE7yODfr0JH1tb0bAvaxhm7FJTd/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Hisham Mundol is on <a href='https://x.com/mundol'>Twitter</a> and <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/hisham-mundol/'>LinkedIn</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

From cow burps to garbage mounds: The Methane Fix | ft. Hisham Mundol

Hydrogen is gaining significant traction as a key element in the global and Indian transition to clean energy. However, with different types of hydrogen production—green, grey, and blue—there’s much to unpack. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, is widely regarded as the most sustainable option but is very expensive to produce. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, with a target of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, is a bold move in the country’s energy transition. But is this target too ambitious? What does the policy landscape around hydrogen in India look like, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead?To understand the role of hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, in India’s energy transition, we interviewed Vijay Shekhawat, Vice President (Public Affairs), Thyssenkrupp Nucera. Vijay is regarded as an energy expert with a deep understanding of India’s energy landscape.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQH5MfGAseUErw2xsYS2Whpf97htsYK6vHW45RTOqPJlKSdCIhUY7js3RPte0rp2ycVpAPQorLvUUxD/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Can Green Hydrogen Drive India’s Clean Energy Future? | ft. Vijay Shekhawat

As India eyes its net zero targets, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is becoming central to decarbonizing core industries like steel, cement, and petrochemicals. While the technology holds immense promise, its adoption in India remains limited—hindered by cost concerns and lack of policy clarity.To understand the road ahead, we spoke with Mr. Atanu Mukherjee, CEO of Dastur Energy. From shaping early internet technologies to leading CCUS innovation in India, Mr. Atanu Mukherjee shares a compelling perspective on the need for supportive policies, financing models, and industry-wide collaboration to scale CCUS in India’s energy transition.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQa5b6ybXW3q-Iumg1EQg0sC5AoREWq122FbHhaRopRmAhpddHROTHtc9E86xzaJE5u4ingpmFSotGr/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Atanu Mukherjee is on <a href='https://x.com/atanu_energy'>Twitter</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Catching the Carbon: India's baby steps in CCUS | ft. Atanu Mukherjee

As India transitions toward a low-carbon future, the private sector’s role in embracing sustainability and ESG is paramount. While top corporations lead with ambitious net-zero goals, many small and mid-sized firms are yet to begin their sustainability and ESG journey — held back by data challenges, lack of awareness, and complex disclosure frameworks.To understand how Indian companies can embrace sustainability and ESG, we spoke with Ms. Prarthana Borah, Vice President, Momentum. With decades of experience across environmental education and corporate sustainability, she offers valuable insights on simplifying ESG frameworks, building internal capacity, and unlocking the potential of India’s private sector in the net-zero transition.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSDj7zePv5-4sQGJSXCsI1nmWIr1yCo427F_dnE3_TigKBCW2MiNOyFogLfwoALDEtG-qKl7Qrg-K5y/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Prarthana Borah is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/prarthana-borah/?originalSubdomain=in'>LinkedIn</a> & <a href='https://x.com/prarthana_delhi?lang=en'>Twitter</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Future-Proofing Indian Businesses: The ESG & Sustainability Imperative | ft. Prarthana Borah

State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) in the Oil & Gas sector play a critical role in ensuring energy security for the country. They are among the most diversified entities, spanning the entire oil & gas value chain—from upstream to downstream operations. But as India moves toward its net zero goals, the question arises: Can oil & gas SoEs diversify into clean energy sectors? What challenges must they overcome to adapt? And how can they improve carbon management in a Net Zero India?To explore the evolving role of Oil & Gas SoEs in India's energy transition, we spoke with Mr. Deepak Tandon, Executive Director of the Carbon Management and Sustainability Group at ONGC Ltd. With over four decades of experience in Indian SoEs, Mr. Tandon shares invaluable insights into how SoEs future in a net zero India.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS1Quq1gZy-5cZze_WVbRNA5zvQdiCxL5EqitHRP9UYABJ8ldEsI_ZWjI3uCkSPMd32_ASR0aFPtv4E/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Deepak Tandon is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-tandon-42213022/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app'>LinkedIn</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Role of State Owned Enterprises in the Energy Transition | ft.  Mr. Deepak Tandon

The role of State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) in India's energy transition cannot be overstated. SoEs, or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), control majority of India’s fossil fuel production and provide millions of jobs across the country. As India accelerates its energy transition, these enterprises will play a crucial role in scaling the rapid deployment of clean energy. Historically, SoEs have been key drivers of economic growth and local welfare. However, they are often seen as bureaucratic, slow in decision-making, and susceptible to political influence.To gain insights into the role Indian SoEs can play in this energy transition, we spoke with Dr. B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical) of Coal India Limited and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Central Coalfields Limited. Dr. Reddy brings nearly four decades of experience working with Indian SoEs.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vROij6t03WW3SM1In27P4qR82UMT4MLcmDhQqYHsDlY_3q8GWcse8_r8qWYwp8-4JiaE-V9wWwqPX5h/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Role of State Owned Enterprises in the Energy Transition | ft.  Dr. B. Veera Reddy

India's foray into renewable energy (RE) started with its thermal power giant NTPC Ltd.In the mid-2000s, NTPC, which is also the country's largest power generator, formed a division that would bundle RE with thermal and sell it together. Cut to 20 years later, NTPC has become the first public sector enterprise (PSEs) to publicly list its dedicated RE company.Most of the paradigm shifts in the Indian economy have been invariably led by PSEs, which Nehru called the Temples of Modern India. From coal mining to power generation, mega hydroelectric dams, and now green transition.To understand the history of energy policy making in India and the role of government and government-owned entities, we talked with Mohit Bhargava, former CEO, NTPC Green Energy Ltd.Bhargava, a career NTPC executive, has been involved with key responsibilities in the organisation, the last and most significant being expansion in the RE sector. Bhargava has served in several departments and plant locations of NTPC, earning him rich experience. He is known for his deep insights on policy, corporate strategy, and energy transition.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQVqYjF3QRC8eIfN4dw3N0y6M_TkEm6pqqRmePks4_Zq5uumfqdlljrp_HVxkxieYF18F-TVCn8jTHv/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Mohit Bhargava is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohit-bhargava-7a411712/?originalSubdomain=in'>Linkedin</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Role of State owned Enterprises in the Energy Transition | ft.  Mohit Bhargava

Climate crisis unfolding in India will first impact our plates!Farms lands, agri commodities, coastal areas are in ten first line of impact from climate change induced extreme weather conditions. Not only does it spike the cost of food, several researchers say it alters its taste and texture too. Close to 60% of India population is dependent on farming as primary employment. Extreme weather is now playing huge role in food inflation in India.To understand what is happening to our food givers and how the Indian economy can cope up, we talked with Sanjeeb Mukherjee, Agriculture Editor, Business Standard.Mukherjee has been a journalist for more than two decades and has been closely covering India's rural, agriculture sector and the food economy. An incisive reporter, Mukherjee regularly travels across the country to understand the changes on the ground, innovations which are making our farmlands better and what the other India outside our cities want.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReppxm-xkpzloqW-KdZo6NYWnVIl9UQ_yRm3KGYGTmzbiLg3I7-1scTfxcFzN5Hxmx0kpxJwC310nR/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Sanjeeb Mukherjee is on <a href='https://x.com/sanjeebm77'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeeb-mukherjee-550a81a6/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app'>Linkedin</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Climate Change On Your Plate | ft. Sanjeeb Mukherjee

The consecutive G20 presidencies of Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024), and South Africa (2025) has resulted in four consecutive G20 presidencies held by emerging economies. This moment is hailed by many as a grand opportunity for Global South countries to make a push on different topics including on energy transition, and climate action. Collectively, in the climate and energy space, these countries have shown leadership on topics like Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Green Development, Climate Finance & LiFE, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development among others. Can they do more? How much more and what are limits of G2O process?To understand how G20s works, and how best can it be used for advocating for stronger energy and climate policies by Global South countries, we interviewed Dr. Prabhat Upadhyaya, G20 and Multilateral Advisor, African Climate Foundation. Prabhat is a leading climate and energy expert who has previously worked with G2O secretariat in India and is currently in South Africa leading work on G20 in South Africa.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTAl6DuJ3y1HOJDRfFYfFJROrTm5CjcO23mmdDd_CVtb1E9VjyN9P7kBIcW01JJ1_NK3QIyt0glEQ9U/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

Global South’s G20 Streak: A Turning Point for Climate and Energy Leadership? | ft.  Dr. Prabhat Upadhyaya

Energy security remains a top priority for India as it seeks to balance growth with sustainability. A critical question emerges: Can India ensure energy security while also phasing down inefficient and uneconomical coal power plants? This issue involves not only understanding the current landscape of power production but also strategizing the retirement of outdated plants.In this insightful episode, we engage with Dr. Joshua Busby and Deepshikha Arora from the University of Texas at Austin, who explore these complex dynamics in their upcoming paper. They delve into the political economy challenges of retiring coal plants in India, discussing both the local policy frameworks and the international support mechanisms that can aid India's decision-making process.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vScnpMQZrm3INX0Gd4IA0MlUe5rIhq3sMoxXaZW3w-6TTstLHnSlxv-L5ZHLx7A_HYvxP43tdtujq0u/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>Follow TIEH podcast on <a href='https://twitter.com/tieh_podcast'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-india-energy-hour/'>Linkedin</a> and <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDfhIAJFwoWJW3Z-0tjKmQ/videos'>YouTube</a>Our host, Shreya Jai on <a href='https://twitter.com/shreya_jai'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-jai-28712a34/'>Linkedin</a> & Dr. Sandeep Pai on <a href='https://twitter.com/Sandeeppaii'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pai-366ba281/'>Linkedin</a>

India's Energy Security and the Transition from Coal Power | ft. Dr. Joshua Busby & Deepshika Arora

Shreya Jai is India’s leading business journalist currently working for the Business Standard newspaper.

Shreya Jai

A multimedia journalist with 101Reporters and producer of THE INDIA ENERGY HOUR podcast.

Tejas Dayananda Sagar

Manas Mishra, is a multimedia expert and sound engineer with 101Reporters.