Abstract

India possesses one of the most diversified energy sectors globally. Power generation in India includes traditional sources, such as coal, natural gas, oil, and hydro, to less mainstream sources, such as wind, solar, and agricultural and domestic waste. The growing environmental concerns coupled with an increasing energy demand are creating conflicting challenges for the power sector. Conventional sources of energy cause harm to the environment and are fast depleting. In the contemporary world, there is a need to reconcile economic development and environmental sustainability and tap into sources of clean energy. Lack of access to clean energy leads to a daily struggle for mere sustenance, thereby digressing from economically rewarding pursuits. Consequently, the same hampers economic development; it also affects the environment and health of the population. In this background, the project seeks to discuss the right to access clean energy from a Constitutional perspective. It evaluates the right to clean energy against the touchstone of fundamental rights and analyses its importance in realizing other fundamental and constitutional rights. Environmental degradation is a significant causal factor in perpetuating poverty globally. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reached a historic agreement to combat climate change and unleash action and investment towards a low carbon and sustainable future, popularly known as the Paris Agreement (COP 21), which India ratified. The project seeks to analyze India's position in combating climate change and promoting economic development while comprehensively examining India's policy changes post-COP -21 and challenges to renewable energy access.

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