Year 2017 for EPIC-India was extremely exciting and rewarding. Driven by the mission to expand access to reliable and affordable energy while identifying low-cost solutions to reduce pollution and improve human health and productivity, our researchers built several new research-policy partnerships, including with the Tata Trusts, the Climate Parliament, the Government of Odisha and Niti Aayog.
Through our expanded relationships with government and industry, we continued to pilot, and rigorously evaluate, innovative ideas on the ground. Along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, we launched India’s first ever mandatory star rating system, designed to publicly communicate and compare the pollution generated by large industries.
A revamped website and a high level of engagement with followers in social media throughout the year helped us carve out our own niche in the energy research domain in India. From being mentioned in the Indian parliament, to being quoted more than 100 times in the regional, national and international press, our evidence-based research continued to reach both policymakers and the public.
Looking ahead to 2018, hope you will remain engaged as we continue to confront India’s energy, environment and climate challenges through data-driven research and high-level engagement. Enjoy these highlights from the past year, and stay tuned for much more to come.