Deadline: April 15, 2026
The Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India by Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is an exciting opportunity for journalists and communicators to produce impactful stories about the country’s clean energy transition. This grant programme aims to strengthen media coverage of renewable energy developments in India while encouraging in-depth reporting on the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions shaping the sector.
Through this initiative, the Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India by Earth Journalism Network (EJN) will provide financial support and editorial mentorship to communicators who can produce compelling, evidence-based stories about renewable energy developments in the country. The programme supports high-quality journalism that informs the public and promotes a deeper understanding of India’s path towards sustainable energy.
As India pursues ambitious climate and energy goals, the role of journalists in highlighting key issues within the renewable energy sector has never been more important. This grant therefore supports journalists who are committed to producing credible, investigative, and solutions-focused reporting that can influence public discourse and policymaking.
About Earth Journalism Network
Earth Journalism Network is a global community of journalists and media organisations dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of environmental reporting. The network is part of Internews, a global organisation that works to empower local media and ensure access to reliable information worldwide.
The network supports journalists through grants, fellowships, training programmes, and collaborative reporting initiatives. Its mission is to strengthen environmental journalism so that communities around the world can better understand critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
Through targeted funding opportunities like the Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India, the network encourages journalists to produce in-depth reporting that sheds light on environmental challenges and innovative solutions.
Programme Overview
India is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector as part of its broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030.
However, as of the end of 2024, India had installed just over 162 GW of renewable energy capacity, highlighting the significant expansion required in the coming years. This gap presents both opportunities and challenges that deserve deeper media coverage.
To support more comprehensive reporting on these developments, Earth Journalism Network is offering grants for journalists and communicators to produce text-based reports focusing on renewable energy in India.
Selected applicants will receive funding as well as one-on-one editorial mentorship from experienced editors. This guidance will help grantees refine their reporting approach, strengthen storytelling techniques, and ensure their work reaches high journalistic standards.
The stories produced under this programme are expected to provide audiences with greater insight into the realities of renewable energy development, including policy dynamics, technological innovation, and the social impacts of energy transitions.
Grant Value and Support
Successful applicants selected for the Renewable Energy Reporting Grant will receive financial support to carry out their reporting projects.
Key benefits include:
- Grant funding of up to ₹100,000 per selected applicant
- Editorial mentorship from experienced editors affiliated with the Earth Journalism Network
- Guidance throughout the reporting process to strengthen story development and publication outcomes
The grant funding is designed to support the costs associated with producing high-quality journalism. This includes expenses such as travel, research, data collection, and other reporting-related costs.
Focus Areas and Story Themes
Applicants are encouraged to submit story proposals that explore critical aspects of India’s renewable energy transition. The Earth Journalism Network is particularly interested in original reporting that provides new insights and angles on renewable energy development.
Potential focus areas include:
Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Stories may examine the development of solar, wind, and other renewable energy infrastructure in India. This includes the expansion of power plants, investment in new technologies, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid.
Financing and Investment Challenges
Another key area of interest involves the financial aspects of renewable energy projects. Journalists may explore topics such as:
- Funding gaps in renewable energy projects
- Private sector investment trends
- Public-private partnerships
- Policy frameworks influencing energy investment
Grid Capacity and Transmission
India’s electricity grid plays a vital role in enabling the large-scale adoption of renewable energy. Applicants may propose stories investigating issues such as:
- Grid modernisation
- Transmission bottlenecks
- Energy storage solutions
- Integration of intermittent renewable energy sources
Decentralised Renewable Energy Solutions
Decentralised energy systems are increasingly important for rural and underserved communities. Reporting could explore initiatives such as:
- Off-grid solar systems
- Community microgrids
- Renewable energy access in remote regions
Community Impact and Empowerment
Another important theme involves the social and economic effects of renewable energy projects. Journalists may investigate how renewable energy initiatives affect:
- Local livelihoods
- Employment opportunities
- Energy access in marginalised communities
Scalable and Innovative Solutions
The programme is also interested in stories that highlight innovative approaches and scalable solutions for expanding renewable energy adoption.
This may include technological advancements, policy reforms, or community-driven initiatives that contribute to India’s clean energy future.
What the Programme Does Not Support
While the grant encourages diverse story ideas, there are specific types of content that are not eligible for funding.
These include:
- Opinion or advocacy articles
- Profiles focused on a single individual or organisation
- Promotional or public relations content
- Stories that present overly positive narratives without critical analysis
- Content designed primarily for personal blogs or self-published platforms
The Earth Journalism Network prioritises objective, evidence-based reporting that contributes to informed public discussion.
Who Can Apply
The Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India is open to journalists and communicators based in India who have a demonstrated interest in environmental or energy reporting.
Eligible applicants include:
- Freelance journalists
- Staff reporters working with media organisations
- Multimedia storytellers and communicators
- Media professionals with experience in environmental or climate reporting
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to produce credible and well-researched journalistic content.
Group Applications
Teams may submit proposals, but one individual must be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant will be responsible for communication with the programme organisers and the management of grant funds.
Inclusion and Diversity
The Earth Journalism Network strongly encourages applications from:
- Women journalists
- Indigenous communicators
- Journalists from marginalised communities
The programme aims to amplify diverse voices and perspectives within environmental reporting.
Accepted Languages for Applications
To encourage broader participation, applications for the grant may be submitted in the following languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Tamil
Applicants should choose the language in which they can most effectively communicate their proposal and reporting approach.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India, applicants must prepare and submit several key documents.
These include:
Story Proposal
Applicants must submit a detailed story proposal explaining the reporting idea they intend to pursue. The proposal should clearly outline:
- The central topic of the story
- The importance of the issue
- The reporting methods to be used
- Expected outcomes and potential impact
Budget Breakdown
A detailed budget must be provided outlining how the grant funding will be used. The budget should include all anticipated reporting expenses.
Letter of Commitment from an Editor
Applicants must include a letter from an editor confirming that the story will be published upon completion.
Work Samples
Applicants should submit examples of previous journalistic work that demonstrate their reporting ability and storytelling skills.
Budget Guidelines
The Earth Journalism Network has provided specific guidelines regarding the use of grant funds.
These include the following conditions:
Equipment Costs
Expenses related to equipment purchases should not exceed 10 percent of the total grant amount.
Personal Stipend
Applicants may allocate a portion of the grant as a personal stipend, but this must not exceed 30 percent of the total budget.
Reporting Costs
The majority of the budget should be dedicated to expenses directly related to producing the story. These may include:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation during reporting trips
- Translation services
- Data visualisation or graphics support
- Research and documentation costs
Applicants should ensure that their budget is realistic, transparent, and aligned with the scope of the reporting project.
Important Dates
Applicants should take note of the following key timeline for the programme.
- Application Deadline: 17 March 2025 (11:59 PM, India Standard Time)
- Selection Notification: Late February or early March 2025
- Publication Deadline for Stories: 31 July 2025
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals well in advance to ensure all required materials are submitted before the deadline.
Expected Outputs
Selected applicants will be required to produce a high-quality text report that addresses an important aspect of renewable energy development in India.
The final story should demonstrate:
- Thorough research
- Balanced reporting
- Evidence-based analysis
- Clear and engaging storytelling
Stories produced under the programme should be published through recognised media outlets to reach broad audiences.
Why This Programme Matters
The global shift towards renewable energy is one of the most significant transitions of the twenty-first century. India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable energy.
However, achieving ambitious renewable energy targets requires informed public discussion, strong policy frameworks, and widespread awareness of both opportunities and challenges.
By supporting journalists through initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India by Earth Journalism Network (EJN), the programme helps ensure that critical energy issues receive the attention they deserve.
Quality journalism can:
- Inform communities about environmental challenges
- Hold decision-makers accountable
- Highlight successful solutions and innovations
- Encourage greater transparency in energy policy
Through this grant programme, journalists have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to conversations about climate action and sustainable development.
Final Thoughts
The Renewable Energy Reporting Grant in India by Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers a valuable opportunity for journalists and communicators to produce impactful reporting on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
By providing financial support and editorial mentorship, the programme enables storytellers to investigate the complexities of renewable energy development while bringing important issues to the forefront of public discourse.
Journalists with compelling ideas and a passion for environmental reporting are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and contribute to greater understanding of India’s energy transition.
Need Help With Your Application?
Preparing a strong proposal can significantly improve your chances of being selected for competitive opportunities like this one.
If you require assistance with proposal drafting, proposal refinement, or application review, contact us for professional support. Our team can help you strengthen your application, structure your proposal effectively, and ensure it meets the expectations of funding organisations.
