Recently, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Shell have issued a report labeled “India: Transforming to a Net-Zero Emissions Energy System”. This study outlines an approach for transitioning India’s in-house energy system towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and guides the nation towards achieving its sustainable economic growth objectives.
The Challenge and the Solution
India faces an uphill battle in implementing clean energy technologies on a large scale, needing a supportive policy and innovation-driven climate. The percentage of renewables in power production must surge to 90% from approximately 11% in 2019-2020 for India to reach its net-zero objective. It is also imperative for India to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2050.
Role of Technology in Energy System Transformation
Technology availability, particularly Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s energy systems. If CCS technology remains commercially unviable, biofuels will have to represent 98% of India’s oil, a significant increase from the current negligible share. Additionally, over two-thirds of India’s industrial and transport energy usage would need to become electrified.
Recommendations by TERI
To reach the net-zero goal, India would need to develop energy-efficient buildings, lighting, appliances, and industrial practices. Biofuels can aid in curbing emissions from light commercial vehicles and tractors in the agricultural sector. In aviation, the only feasible solution for reducing emissions is increasing the use of biofuels until hydrogen technology becomes more widespread.
Carbon Sequestration and Pricing
India will need to rely on natural and man-made carbon sinks to absorb these emissions. Trees can capture 0.9 billion tons of carbon, but the remaining amount will require carbon capture technologies. Already taxing coal and petroleum fuels, India should contemplate levying a tax on emissions to instigate change.
Low-Carbon Energy Deployment
There are four primary types of low-carbon energy: wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power â the first three being renewable. By implementing low carbon energy, not only can India address both domestic and international climate challenges, but also enhance the economic well-being of its residents.
Understanding Net-Zero Emissions
Net-zero emissions imply a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere. The goal is to reduce human-caused emissions to as close to zero as possible and offset any remaining GHGs with an equal amount of carbon removal, for instance, by restoring forests.
Current Global and Indian Scenarios
Currently, twenty countries and regions have adopted net-zero targets by June 2020. Bhutan is already a carbon-negative country. In contrast, India’s per capita CO2 emissions were at 1.8 tonnes per person in 2015, a ninth of those in the USA, and about a third of the global average. Nevertheless, India is now the world’s third-largest emitter of CO2 after China and the USA.
The Debate around Commitment
There is a global emphasis on India to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. Experts suggest that by pledging to reduce its net emissions to zero by 2050, India could become “hypercompetitive”, attracting investment, and creating jobs. However, others argue against any pledge that risks prematurely limiting Indian energy for development following the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility”.
About The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI is a nonprofit research institution stationed in New Delhi. It conducts pioneering research in the fields of energy, environment, and sustainable development. It was established in 1974 as the Tata Energy Research Institute and renamed The Energy and Resources Institute in 2003. The key focus of TERI lies in promoting clean energy, water management, pollution management, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.
A Strategy for the Future
A critical step forward is to incorporate explicit policies for climate mitigation in the government budget, along with energy, roads, health, and education. Growth targets should include clear timelines for switching to cleaner energy. India should also commence a major campaign to mobilize climate finance and focus on energy efficiency, biofuels utilization, carbon sequestration, and carbon pricing. Robust environmental policies can create prosperity and well-being. With inventive policies, strong institutions, and international finance, India could declare its freedom from polluting fossil fuels in the hundredth year of its independence.
