| Abstract: |
Chhattisgarh, a resource-rich state in central India, plays a pivotal role in national energy production due to its vast coal reserves and rapidly expanding industrial sectors such as steel, mining, cement, and thermal power generation. While this industrialization has ensured strong energy availability and economic growth, it has simultaneously intensified environmental challenges, including rising carbon emissions, air pollution, and ecological degradation. With a population of nearly 30 million and a climate characterized by high solar insolation and abundant biomass resources, the state possesses significant potential for renewable energy development. This study presents an integrated renewable energy modeling and scenario analysis framework aimed at achieving a low-carbon energy mix in Chhattisgarh by 2035. Using statistical datasets and simulated projections, three scenarios Business-as-Usual (BAU), Moderate Transition (MT), and Aggressive Green Transition (AGT) were constructed to assess renewable integration pathways and their environmental impact. Results indicate that the AGT scenario, supported by large-scale solar expansion, biomass utilization, and energy storage deployment, can reduce carbon emissions by 48–55% while increasing the renewable share to 60–65% of the total energy mix. The findings demonstrate that a structured shift toward renewable energy can mitigate industrial pollution, enhance long-term energy security, and support India’s national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The study provides policymakers with a strategic roadmap for optimizing renewable resources, reducing coal dependency, and enabling sustainable industrial growth in Chhattisgarh. |
