This article examines the choices that might be needed for India’s energy sector under alternative mitigation scenarios. The article draws on the CD-LINKS study—a collaborative EU project under which seven pathways based on different combinations of carbon budget (high and low) and policy implementation (early and late) were developed and examined. This study uses the MARKAL energy system model to develop these scenarios. The three broad strategies that emerge for India include decarbonisation of electricity, electrification of end-uses and improvement in energy efficiency. We conclude that by undertaking early action, India can potentially prevent carbon lock-in and leapfrog to renewables from coal in the power sector. However, early action scenarios exhibit higher cost than their delayed action counterparts. Several other barriers and challenges also need to be addressed in order to enable large-scale uptake of low-carbon technologies. India may need to come up with innovative mechanisms to ensure a smooth and just transition for the economy.

中文翻译：

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印度能源部门的选择——雄心勃勃的减排努力的选择和影响

本文研究了在替代缓解情景下印度能源部门可能需要的选择。本文借鉴了 CD-LINKS 研究——一项欧盟合作项目，根据该项目开发和审查了基于碳预算（高和低）和政策实施（早期和晚期）的不同组合的七种途径。本研究使用 MARKAL 能源系统模型来开发这些场景。印度出现的三大战略包括电力脱碳、最终用途电气化和提高能源效率。我们得出的结论是，通过及早采取行动，印度可以潜在地防止碳锁定，并在电力部门从煤炭跨越到可再生能源。然而，早期行动情景比延迟行动情景表现出更高的成本。还需要解决其他一些障碍和挑战，以便大规模采用低碳技术。印度可能需要提出创新机制，以确保经济平稳、公正地过渡。