Access to energy is critical to economic growth. And ensuring this, while limiting social and environmental impacts, is one of society’s most complex challenges. The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) is confronting this challenge using a cross-cutting approach that links the university’s renowned economists with leading thinkers in policy and law, business, big data, engineering and natural and physical sciences throughout the university and at partner institutes.

EPIC launched EPIC-India in 2014 to focus on cutting-edge research and targeted engagement with local stakeholders. Housed at the University of Chicago Center in New Delhi, EPIC-India is employing a comprehensive strategy to test new approaches to expanding energy access and achieving low-cost reductions in pollution. USAID  is also supporting EPIC-India in this endeavor and has given a grant of $440,000 for a three-year project in Gujarat and Maharashtra which aims to reduce industrial air pollution at low cost to both government and industry.

Excerpts from an interview with Anant Sudarshan, executive director of EPIC-India…