The Energy Transition Advisory Committee, formed by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has recently made several recommendations to help India achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. One of these suggestions is to phase out diesel-powered four-wheeler vehicles by 2027. The aim is to encourage the use of electric and gas-filled vehicles in cities with more than a million inhabitants and towns with high pollution levels.
The Committee, led by former petroleum secretary Tarun Kapoor, also recommended the phasing out of motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers with internal combustion engines by 2035. This move could significantly reduce harmful emissions in heavily populated areas.
Moving Towards Renewable Energy Sources
India is one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. To meet its ambitious 2070 goal, India aims to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable energy sources. To achieve this, the Committee recommends no new city buses be added unless they are electric by 2030 and that the addition of diesel buses for city transport should cease from 2024 onwards.
Furthermore, the Committee urges a partial shift towards electric vehicles and ethanol-blended petrol vehicles, each accounting for almost 50% of total vehicles.
Stimulating Electric Vehicle (EV) Usage
To stimulate the adoption of EVs in the country, there needs to be an extension of incentives under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (FAME) scheme. This encouragement will help to ensure a smooth transition from traditional to more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Transition to Gas-Powered Trucks and Railways
To further reduce emissions, there is a recommendation to only register new electric-powered city delivery vehicles from 2024 onwards. Further, higher usage of railways and gas-powered trucks for cargo movement is suggested. It is anticipated that the railway network will be fully electric in two to three years.
Increasing Gas’s Share in India’s Energy Mix
India aims to raise the share of gas in its energy mix from the current 6.2% to 15% by 2030. According to the Committee, this goal could be met by creating underground gas storage equivalent to two months’ demand. Depleted oil and gas fields, salt caverns, and aquifers can all be used as potential sites for these storage facilities.
Reducing Diesel Consumption
At present, diesel accounts for about 40% of India’s petroleum product consumption, with 80% of that used in the transport sector. However, the demand for petrol and diesel in India is expected to peak in 2040 and decline thereafter due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Diesel engines are popular due to their fuel economy and higher torque, making them suitable for heavy vehicles. However, they do emit higher levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributing to climate change and air, noise, and environmental pollution.
Challenges in Implementing a Diesel Ban
Though desirable, a diesel ban poses several challenges, including medium and heavy commercial vehicle practicality, dominance of diesel in transport, transitioning diesel trucks to compressed natural gas, and compliance with existing emission norms.
India’s Push for Renewable Energy-based Transport Sector
India has several initiatives in place to encourage a shift towards renewable energy sources. These include the FAME Scheme, which offers fiscal incentives for electric vehicle manufacturing and adoption, the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, and the exemption of customs duty on lithium-ion cell batteries.
Furthermore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to develop green hydrogen as an affordable energy source for various sectors. The Ethanol blending initiative also helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Other incentives include the PLI Scheme and SATAT Scheme.
By implementing these initiatives and following the Committee’s recommendations, India is hopeful to move closer towards achieving its net-zero goal for 2070.