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March 2025:
News, Views, and Updates from TERI
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Dear Reader,
We are pleased to share news, updates and insights from the month of March.
TERI had an action-filled March. We successfully hosted the 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit from March 5-7. With more than 1500 delegates, 361 speakers and 40 sessions, WSDS 2025 was a milestone for TERI.
The 4th Water Sustainability Awards were hosted on the eve of World Water Day, and we kicked off March with the Youth Climate Conclave (YCC) 2025. There were MoU signings and other research collaborations that kept us on our toes!
The momentum is building, and we are excited for the remaining year ahead. We anticipate many more significant developments and look forward to keeping you engaged.
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The 24th edition of World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), was exponential. With 1527 in-person delegates, 29 partners, 1 Head of State, 19 expo booths, 116 business and industry leaders, 40 sessions, 361 speakers and 12 ministers in attendance, the Summit showcased a remarkable scale and influence, fostering crucial dialogues, thought leadership and collaborations on sustainable development. The Summit featured distinguished speakers such as Mr Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India; Prof Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Mr Martin Raiser, Vice President for South Asia at The World Bank; Mr Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition & Solutions; and Ms Dia Mirza, Actor, Producer, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, amongst others.
WSDS 2025 culminated on the perfect note, setting the tone for next year. The Silver Jubilee edition. A milestone. A quarter-century of commitment, collaboration, and climate action.
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TERI proudly conferred the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) 2025 on H.E. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Hon’ble Vice President of Guyana, and Her Excellency Ms Marina Silva, Hon’ble Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, at the inaugural session of WSDS 2025. H.E. Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Guyana, accepted the award on behalf of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. The prestigious Award, instituted by TERI in 2005, recognizes global visionaries whose leadership has had a transformative impact on sustainability and climate action. This year’s awardees exemplify bold and pioneering leadership, forging pathways for a sustainable future.
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The special edition (WSDS 2025) of TerraGreen covers a wide range of contributions from partners and experts on climate action, green growth, energy transitions, sustainable agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, youth stewardship, market instruments, gender, innovations, and sustainable consumption. The articles showcase results from in-depth research and provide insights to drive action and design futuristic strategies.
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TERI in association with UNDP India and endorsed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, hosted the 4th Water Sustainability Awards (WSA) 2024-25 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on the eve of World Water Day. Aligned with the World Water Day 2025 theme, ‘Glacier Preservation,’ the event emphasized the need to protect these critical freshwater reserves amid climate change. The prestigious awards recognized outstanding contributions toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) through innovative and impactful water conservation efforts.
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TERI and Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the ‘CONCOR–TERI Centre of Excellence for Green and Sustainable Logistics’. The MoU was signed during the WSDS 2025. Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, and Mr Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director, CONCOR were present for the same while, the agreement was formalized by Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI, and Mr Ahmed Wasi Khan, Group General Manager (P&S), CONCOR.
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TERI signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) to drive advancements in Delhi’s power distribution sector. The collaboration focuses on expanding grid-connected solar rooftop PV systems, energy storage solutions, electric vehicle integration, and smart distribution technologies. The MoUs were signed by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, while senior officials from BRPL and BYPL signed on behalf of their respective companies.
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The UK Government, in-collaboration with the Energy Department, Government of Odisha and GRIDCO organized a high-level workshop on ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar’ on March 18, 2025. The workshop aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and outline a strategic roadmap for Bhubaneswar’s transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable future. During this event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI and Dr Debi Dutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary to the Government of Odisha. This MoU marks a significant step in strengthening Odisha’s commitment to accelerating its clean energy transition while leveraging expertise in Renewable Energy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable urban development. It reinforces collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange to drive Odisha's climate goals forward.
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The year 2025 marked the 24th edition of the Summit series. In its journey since 2001, the platform has become a focal point for global thought leaders and practitioners to congregate and drive ambition and action for achieving sustainable development, and to address the global challenge of climate change. The Summit series has emerged as the impactful international event based in the Global South on sustainability which focuses on global futures while keeping an eye on present actions.
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TERI Energy & Environment Data Diary and Yearbook (TEDDY) is an annual publication brought out by TERI since 1986. It is the only comprehensive energy and environment yearbook in India. Recent changes in the energy sector and environment are depicted with the help of graphs, figures, maps, and tables. The publication also reviews government policies associated with energy and environment. TEDDY 2023/24 gives an account of India’s commercial energy balances, extensively covering energy flows within different sectors of the economy and how they have been changing over time.
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The study aims to evaluate the job impacts and skill gaps of transitioning from ICE heavy-duty trucks to ZETs in India through extensive research in four key hubs—Delhi/NCR, Chennai, Pune, and Bengaluru. The study compares lithium-ion battery-powered electric trucks above 12 tonne GVW with ICE trucks to identify components that will be replaced, modified, or phase out while transitioning to ZETs. The methodology includes a mixed-method approach comprising of fieldwork, consultations, interviews, and roundtable discussions to analyse job impact and skill gaps.
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The Indian cement industry Net-zero CO2 roadmap 2070 has been developed by Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), India in collaboration with TERI with an objective to chart out the pathway for a net-zero cement sector by 2070. The cement industry aims to align its strategies with India’s Net-Zero 2070 target and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), supported by an enabling policy framework. The development of this roadmap was done with close involvement of key stakeholders including cement industry, architects, engineers, R&D institutions, academia, and sectoral experts.
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Preserving Glaciers
"Since 1993, the United Nations has observe World Water Day (WWD) on 22 March annually for raising awareness of 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, and taking action to tackle global water crises, having a core focus to support achievement of SDG 6, the goal on water and sanitation for all by 2030", writes Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI; in his op-ed for The Statesman.
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Making Old Buildings Energy-Efficient Can Help Achieve Net-Zero Goals
"Reconstruction of buildings can ensure that the end product is more energy efficient, but it will involve a large amount of energy and emissions. Therefore, reuse, renovation and retrofitting — addition of new technologies or features to older systems of existing buildings — become essential to improve their existing energy consumption patterns and reduce overall emissions by 75 percent from the sector", write Ms Prajna Aigal, Associate Fellow; Ms Swetha AB, Research Associate; and Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI, in their op-ed for 360info.
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Powering the Future: India's Journey Towards Self-Reliance in Solar PV Manufacturing
"India’s pursuit of self-reliance in solar manufacturing is more than an industrial strategy; it marks a defining moment in the nation's renewable energy transition. Although challenges in raw material security, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and global competitiveness persist, the opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and energy security far outweigh the obstacles ", write Mr Aniket Tiwari, Research Associate; and Mr AK Saxena, Senior Director, TERI, in their op-ed for ETEnergyWorld.
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Is the Model State Water Regulation Framework Robust Enough?
"The current water regulatory framework does not ensure a balance between market-based approach and government’s social commitments. There are deficiencies in the Integrated Water Resource Management Bill, especially with regard to its scope", writes Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, in his op-ed for The Hindu Business Line.
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The Youth Climate Conclave (YCC) 2025, organized by TERI in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to India, reaffirmed its role as a premier platform for engaging young minds in climate action and sustainability. YCC is supported by the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) project, managed by the Delegation of the European Union to India. TERI leads the implementation of this collaborative initiative. As part of TERI’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and advance climate leadership, the three-day event brought together young climate advocates, experts, and policymakers in an engaging and action-oriented forum focused on sustainability and climate resilience. The event was culminated at WSDS 2025.
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TERI in association with the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Watershed Development Component under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC - PMKSY 2.0), Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized a training programme on Climate Resilient Integrated Watershed Management. The one-day event, held in New Delhi, aimed to enhance the capacities of participants with cutting-edge technologies and the best practices necessary for implementing climate-resilient watershed management strategies.
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On the third edition of TV9 signature thought fest – 'What India Thinks Today', TV9 and TERI have collaborated to explore how India can ensure it navigates its way through the energy trilemma of ensuring energy security, energy equity, environmental sustainability for its people while decarbonising while still being on track in its decarbonisation journey.
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The NCoEGPS Portal reflects the government's commitment to sustainable maritime innovation, shaping a greener future for India’s ports and shipping industry. It serves as a centralized digital hub, providing stakeholders with valuable resources to support environmentally responsible growth.
The portal offers a comprehensive repository of best practices, digital tools, and research, empowering industry leaders, government agencies, academia, and civil society. Its core objectives include promoting sustainable maritime practices, enhancing the efficiency of port and shipping operations, and fostering innovation through a centralized knowledge platform.
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Copyright @ 2025
TERI
TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute)
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