Balasubramanian Viswanathan is an Associate in IISD’s Energy program. He engages in data collection and analysis, stakeholder consultations, policy review, project management, and communication on issues related to a clean energy transition. He is based in New Delhi.
Bala holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from BITS Pilani (India) and a master's degree in sustainable energy engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden).
All Publications
- Mapping India's Energy Subsidies 2020: Fossil fuels, renewables and electric vehicles
Report - April 7, 2020
How have India’s energy subsidy policies changed? What have been the most significant developments in India’s dynamic energy policy environment? And is public support aligned with India’s desired energy future? - India's Energy Transition: The Cost of Meeting Air Pollution Standards in the Coal-fired Electricity Sector
Briefing Note - August 5, 2019
It will cost up to INR 86,135 crore (USD 12 billion) to comply with India's rules for air pollution control technology in the current fleet of coal power plants, increasing the average cost of electricity by 9–21 per cent per kWh. The Ministry of Power must take a strict position to ensure compliance. - India Energy Subsidy Briefing July 2019
Briefing Note - July 17, 2019
As part of its work on energy policy and sustainable development in India, the Global Subsidies Initiative publishes a regular briefing on issues related to energy subsidies. - Raising Ambition Through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform: Greenhouse gas emissions results modelling from 26 countries
Report - July 7, 2019
This working paper models 26 countries and finds national average emission reductions of 6 per cent from the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. For every tonne of CO2e removed through FFSR, governments save an average of USD 93. Global emission reductions from reforms are between 6.4 and 8.2 per cent by 2050. Countries can consider the carbon reduction co-benefits from FFSR and taxation within second-generation Nationally Determined Contributions. - Policy Approaches for a Kerosene to Solar Subsidy Swap in India
Report - April 17, 2019
India could save money and reduce indoor air pollution by switching kerosene subsidies to solar. - India's Energy Transition: Stranded coal power assets, workers and energy subsidies
Briefing Note - April 2, 2019
What is driving stressed coal power assets in India, and how do we ensure workers, not assets, are the focus of government interventions in the future?