The Lab in India

About

The Government of India has made it a national priority to drive development and access to electricity through cleaner growth, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, including through an ambitious target of 40% of its electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. However, India will need more capital, and at more attractive terms, in order to build the green infrastructure required.

Increasing investment from the private sector will be essential to driving the country’s infrastructure growth. Currently, high risks and other poor terms of financing may be limiting investment potential in India.

The India chapter was developed in response to this need for better investment vehicles. Launched in November 2015, the Lab in India is an extension of the Global Lab, operating as a public-private initiative that identifies, develops, and accelerates innovative solutions to finance infrastructure for renewable energy and other channels for green growth.

It is a first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to provide concrete solutions to the unique financing challenges to investment in green infrastructure in India. By addressing investors’ needs, it can unlock billions of dollars of private investment for clean growth in India.

The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has endorsed the India chapter and is a key stakeholder. The Lab in India has been hosted and funded by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, with additional funding from the Swedish Development Corporation, David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Oak Foundation. Climate Policy Initiative’s team in India serves as the Lab Secretariat and provides analytical support.