Recently concluded and on-going projects include analytical work on the power sector, on meeting rural energy needs and on the expanded provision of clean cooking fuels.

Power sector: At the international level, we have been studying the experiences of integrated resource planning, the likely benefits for the power sector in spite of barriers to its use, and the policies through which this form of planning could be implemented even as power sectors are being reformed. At the national level in India, we have been comparing the costs of electricity generation and conservation through different options. At the regional level, system studies have been carried out in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. In Karnataka, a study has been made of the power system as a whole, with reference to its problems, and ways forward have been suggested; in Maharashtra, a study was made of load flow methods for radial distribution systems.

Rural energy needs: The Asian REI had earlier been involved in a project to foster rural electricity and water supply utilities, fuelled chiefly by biogas. We have recently made a study of the project, particularly to derive the conditions necessary for the sustainable operation of such village-based plants. With this background, we are assessing least-cost ways of meeting rural energy needs and developing practical models for delivering improved energy services in economically-backward rural areas.

Clean cooking fuels: We have obtained information on the current use of various domestic cooking fuels in India and are now considering the possibilities of shifting to cleaner and more efficient options. Thus far, we have looked at the option of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). At the global level, IEI is keen on developing strategies and policies for creating universal access to clean cooking fuels.

Environmental protection: Concern for environmental protection has often been ignored in the course of industrial processing and electricity generation. While this concern has been forced into the reckoning by legislation and mandatory environmental impact assessment, it would be advantageous if environmental protection were integrated into the processes and their economic evaluation.  On a micro level, we have evaluated the costs and benefits of using bio-wastes for electricity generation in a local coffee estate.  On a macro level, we have assessed environmental issues as electricity generation is enhanced in China and India.