The repurposing of coal power plants is an underexplored challenge as many countries, including India, strive to achieve net-zero targets. Some countries in the Global South, such as South Africa, have more experience with coal power plant repurposing than India.To understand what Indian coal-fired power plant owners can learn from the South African experience, we interviewed Dr. Vikesh Rajpaul, General Manager, Just Transitions at Eskom Holdings SOC Limited. With over three decades of experience at Eskom—the largest supplier of electricity in South Africa—Dr. Rajpaul has worked across a wide range of functions, including renewables and research.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTi_rjozxNpX7A7-rXjQ8jvkLitwYHkrMoNkXKHI7TzfAfK25oKkTkKxRXtrTc0L-bBtbs1CSwXmIsH/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Dr. Vikesh Rajpaul is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vikesh-rajpaul-86661521/'>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

Shreya Jai is India's leading writer on the energy sector. A journalist for over 15 years, she is currently Energy Lead at Climate Trends.

Shreya Jai

Repurposing Coal Plants: What India Can Learn from South Africa  | ft. Dr. Vikesh Rajpaul

India’s energy economy has started 2026 on both a chaotic and a promising note. Last year’s storms of trade wars and the disarray of the country’s energy supply chain have spilled into this year as well. But 2025 was also the year India crossed the threshold of 50 per cent non-fossil fuel power generation capacity and took promising steps in nuclear energy. This year has commenced with policy shifts in the long languishing power distribution sector and trade deals with focus on sustainable development.To guide through this maze of varied developments which would impact India’s energy transition and security, we spoke with Richa Mishra, seasoned energy journalist and author. Ms Mishra has been writing on the energy sector for more than two decades and has first-hand witnessed the evolution of India’s energy sector and has covered notable milestones in her journalistic journey.She is currently Resident Editor at Hindu Business Line. Ms Mishra also runs a podcast called Energonomics where she unpacks the developments of the oil and gas sector. Her first book Unfilled Barrels: India’s oil story published in 2022 offers a ringside view of India’s oil and gas sector from past to present.Author page of Richa Mishra: <a href='https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/profile/author/richa-mishra-10928/'>https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/profile/author/richa-mishra-10928/</a>Energonomics podcast by Richa Mishra: <a href='https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0y1IAo9tjT5TiZmuziacoYWd8rjX6dde&si=SzrnSAEKYRy7n2dF'> https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0y1IAo9tjT5TiZmuziacoYWd8rjX6dde&si=SzrnSAEKYRy7n2dF</a>Unfilled Barrels: India's Oil story: <a href='https://www.bloomsbury.com/in/unfilled-barrels-9789354350283/'>https://www.bloomsbury.com/in/unfilled-barrels-9789354350283/</a>Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSh5LJSAQIoIMHXGaDxE5F_UfM14MojVk1Q48SOiOFSh6AldtGXId3fUjlh07RL5kgj9URGXpBTRIgC/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>.

What 2026 holds for India's Energy Transition  | ft. Richa Mishra

As The India Energy Hour completes five years, the hosts come together for a special recap episode reflecting on how the podcast began and how it has evolved alongside India’s energy transition. From the early motivation behind starting the show to the moments that shaped its direction, this episode revisits key milestones from the last five years.The hosts discuss some of the most impactful episodes and conversations, memorable guests, and how listener engagement has influenced the podcast’s journey. The episode also looks ahead to what listeners can expect in the coming year—from new themes to deeper dives into India’s evolving energy and climate trends.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTAPiCurjY0FPC2b-svpZaopx3DW1_x9zIjX0OvjDU_E83XBgDkApmtYPe0aQgLwdW6qr6xS2rjBVae/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>.

The Story behind the Podcast: 5 years of TIEH

As climate risks intensify across India, state governments are emerging as critical drivers of climate action, adaptation, and energy transition. In this episode of The India Energy Hour, we explore how states can plan, finance, and implement climate action on the ground. While several state-specific models are in the works, New Delhi–based IPE Global recently unveiled a one-stop Climate Readiness Index for states. This index, which relies on tech-based tools and modelling, aims to provide authoritative guidance to states for building their climate action plans.In this episode, we speak with Abinash Mohanty, Global Sector Head – Climate Change and Sustainability at IPE Global, to understand why such an index is needed, which states face the most urgent risks, and how sub-national plans shape India’s net-zero pathway. Mohanty has nearly two decades of experience working across government, development finance, and policy research.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSWsHDgzpOpq5nCQKggieXUywOslpjfZGCHElHknk62x-l1y46dVARlouW76bPbBQbTxGhHogPO3oZs/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Abinash Mohanty is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/abinash-mohanty-ing-05742390/'>LinkedIn</a> and <a href='https://x.com/Abinash0294?s=20'>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>.

How Climate Proof are Indian States?  | ft. Abinash Mohanty

Having committed to the ambitious target net zero by 2070 and 50 per cent energy from green sources, India would need transition planning across sectors. The most important planning would be in the electricity sector which would need to decarbonise faster than any other sector. This transition would depend on India's ability to produce round-the-clock clean energy, or 24/7 carbon free energy (24/7 CFE), at cost and scale to meet the country’s rapid economic development. But it faces the challenge of grid management and conducive energy planning which would integrate renewable energy across the power systems of the country.To understand one such model of 24/7 CFE, we spoke with Irfan Mohamed, South Asia Analyst at climate analytics nonprofit TransitionZero to delve into the concept of 24/7 CFE and why, according to TransitionZero’s modelling, 24/7 CFE planning and procurement is a ‘no regrets’ option for India’s energy planners, grid operators, and corporates. Irfan is an energy modeller and analyst with multiple years of experience in modelling electricity markets. Before joining TransitionZero, Irfan worked at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero developing decarbonisation policies for the UK.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRBymg_mlbsZvbgXKFY0api9nyE6GW7vaAlRxTGeAV-ejIGMiwpX9-08wYqdN29peTf689n5jFT81Us/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Irfan Mohamed is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/irfan-mohamed-65814982/'>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>.

Pathways to Round the Clock RE in India  | ft. Irfan Mohamed

Achieving a low-carbon economy will require trillions of dollars in new investments across renewable energy, infrastructure, industry, and climate adaptation. As India races toward its clean energy and net-zero goals, one question looms large — where will the money come from? What roles will domestic and international finance play, and how can innovative instruments such as green bonds and blended finance help bridge the gap?In this episode of The India Energy Hour, we speak with Neha Kumar, Head of South Asia at the Climate Bonds Initiative, to unpack the complex and rapidly evolving world of climate finance. Neha, a globally recognized expert on climate finance, shares insights on how India can mobilize capital for its green transition and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSprZU1IpARtBmtL8czM2NFmxfW0VztYcZLaxtOi6yKEQOYMLBNyRV0iUcgOhIuvzlne0Mjo_QEkg80/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Neha Kumar is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehakumar9/?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>.

Bonds, Banks & the Battle for a Greener India  | ft. Neha Kumar

As India deepens its energy transition and the United States recalibrate its global partnerships, the US–India energy relationship stands at a pivotal moment. From energy technology collaboration, clean energy supply chains to geopolitical strategy, the partnership is evolving into a key pillar of bilateral engagement shaping both nations’ economic and climate futures.In this episode, we speak with Richard Rossow, Senior Adviser and Chair in India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). We discuss the evolution of the US–India energy ties — from the 2005 Civil Nuclear Agreement to today’s cooperation on clean energy and LNG. Richard unpacks how energy fits into the broader US–India strategic relationship, the growing role of private capital, and what milestones to watch over the next decade in building a resilient, low-carbon future.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vROQCuS4e6qlbMSe4mjftB_J-BgJlHaOLwYxG9ENJqIfMkEajvYNiVLTwPUwXjhs0fXlZJzbCvW7wuU/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Richard Rossow is on <a href='https://x.com/RichardRossow'>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>.

Tracing the Arc of the US–India Energy Cooperation  | ft. Richard Rossow

Coal India Limited or CIL — the world’s largest coal mining company and one of India’s most influential state-owned enterprises — is now 50 years old. Established to secure the India’s energy needs, Coal India has long been the backbone of India’s industrial and power sectors. But as the country moves toward its net-zero by 2070 goal, the company is now undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history.From being the guardian of India’s coal reserves, Coal India is venturing into new frontiers — investing in critical minerals, solar energy, and coal gasification — signalling a bold pivot toward a cleaner, more diversified energy future.In this episode of The India Energy Hour, we speak with P.M. Prasad, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited, who reflects on his four-decade journey within the company and shares insights into its evolution, challenges, and vision for the future. Mr. Prasad discusses the founding mission of Coal India, its major milestones, and how the company plans to redefine itself in a decarbonising world.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRAvVJgXTsHBJ1RLUtPljwIo3USBrtixPHyKN8sBmnwuSuQEKNKVAcOMLaVjDNQnyfUUFZdDjSakBhZ/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.P.M. Prasad is on <a href='https://x.com/RealPMPrasad1'>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>.

From the Depths to Decarbonization: Coal India’s 50-Year Story | ft. P.M. Prasad

Since the dawn of the Electricity Act, 2003, India's power transmission sector has undergone a transformation during the last two decades. The gates of the sector were open for the private sector, which brought with it investment and innovation. While the private sector continued to face the challenge of competing with an almost monopolistic government organisation, it has been able to grab a sizeable share while also bringing the cost down.And just like any other part of the electricity supply chain in the country, the power transmission sector also stands at the cusp of another transformation with the advent of large-scale renewable energy and new energy solutions.To understand the growth of the country's power transmission sector and what its focus areas are and how it is evolving along with the ever-changing landscape of the power sector, we talked with Pratik Agarwal, managing director of Sterlite Electric and chairman of Resonia. Agarwal has been one of the early movers in the power transmission sector and has a diversified portfolio of businesses in power equipment, manufacturing, renewable energy generation, and allied businesses.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRNzA5OUP7SsS1-8l_ccHRXi0gCX0W8sHrMCPsyJHs9YSUPn0mKFIX6F3DuzN_JPZIwX4OliYyeRFI9/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Pratik Agarwal is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratik-agarwal-b6278b2/?originalSubdomain=in'>LinkedIn</a> and <a href='https://x.com/pagarwal1982'>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>.

Wires, Transformers and Knights of the Grid | ft. Pratik Agarwal

Solving the climate crisis—whether by scaling renewable energy or phasing down fossil fuels—requires rigorous, science-based policy that delivers win-win solutions for stakeholders.In this episode, Dr. Jai Asundi, Executive Director of the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), shares how to navigate India’s complex energy and climate policy landscape to ensure research doesn’t just sit on shelves, but actively shapes decisions for a sustainable future.Full transcript of the episode is available in <a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRfqm2MColXZL7rTnQooNFDsS2P0v0mL_cYQ6sGxB-pv0s3BFd8O0WUojMjllKU3kEwiwm8eO6r6Ii3/pub'>English</a> language.Presented by <a href='https://101reporters.com/'>101Reporters</a>.Jai Asundi is on <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaiasundi/'>LinkedIn</a> and <a href='https://x.com/JaiAsundi'>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>.

From Labs to Laws: How Science Can Shape India’s Climate Future | ft. Dr. Jai Asundi

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>

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

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.