The focus has predominantly been on Southeast Asian countries like Japan and China. Meanwhile, such South Asian countries as India, Indonesia, and Pakistan, which are important from the point of view of understanding the processes of modernization, are undeservedly overlooked. Academics have maintained the necessity to study intangible cultural heritage, citing a new global context marked by a growing urban population and a changing climate as justification. UNESCO has also recognized the value of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) since 2003. Nonetheless, the link between ICH and green energy transition discourses is new. The aim of this study is to analyze how the intangible cultural heritage of Indian civilization affects the energy sector and to which conclusion it leads. Specifically, the paper is trying to expand on focusing on the clean energy sector in India. A systematic literature review (SLR) and the quantitative research method were used to answer the research questions in this work. Considerations for future approaches to ICH and the green energy sector are presented.

In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of Indigenous rights over traditional territories and natural resources, alongside the intensification of extractive activities on Indigenous lands, often in violation of their rights.The paradox is driven by several factors, including escalating global commodity prices, energy security concerns, and the shift towards green energy. While Sweden has long been known for promoting human rights and environmental standards, the exploitation of rare earth metals in Kiruna has emerged as a significant priority on the Swedish political agenda. These metals are crucial for producing green energy technologies and advancing green energy transition in the country as well as Europe. However, mining rare earth metals in Kiruna raises concerns about the impact on the traditional ways of life of the Sámi Indigenous people, who rely on these territories for their survival and cultural identity. The Sámi people have a deep connection to the land and are greatly affected by environmental changes, including mining activities in their territories. This thesis aims to explore the role of the Sámi Indigenous people in the decision-making process of the Per Geijer expansion of Kiruna mine. Considering the significant priority given to advancing the green energy transition, a critical question arises whether the green energy transition is truly “green” if it requires sacrificing the cultural heritage of the Sámi Indigenous communities in the area.  By employing various perspectives and drawing on environmental justice and interactive governance theories, this thesis aims to shed light on this complex intersection of mining, Indigenous rights, and the pursuit of sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the social sustainability implications.