Achieving Carbon Neutrality: India’s Efforts and Challenges

Net Zero is a state where the emission of greenhouse gases is balanced by the processes that absorb these gases. The main objective of achieving this target is to prevent climate change and preserve our environment. This not only requires technological changes but also demands a complete transformation of our lifestyle and energy usage. For developing economies like India, this is both a significant challenge and an opportunity.

Jitendra Goyal, Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motors, stated that achieving the Net Zero target requires not only technical solutions but also raising environmental awareness among future customers. He mentioned that the company has a 25-acre eco park, where 10,000 students are trained annually on environmental awareness.

What is Net Zero?

Net Zero means establishing a balance between pollution emissions and the processes (sinks) that absorb them to prevent climate change. According to the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions should be at a level that effectively controls pollution and mitigates the risks of climate change.

Global Status and India's Contribution:

Globally, many countries, especially developed and developing nations, are working towards Net Zero. India ranks third in terms of emissions, but when it comes to per capita emissions, India’s emissions are the lowest globally. However, as India’s economy grows and urbanisation increases, emissions may rise, requiring further steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

India has already taken several steps under the Net Zero goal. From COP21 to COP26, India has committed to renewable energy, emission reduction, and reducing carbon intensity under the Panchamrit principles. India’s target is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070.

Future Energy Scenario:

Currently, coal plays a significant role in India’s energy production, but in the future, renewable energy will dominate. However, petroleum products will not be completely eliminated, and alternatives such as CNG, ethanol, and hydrogen will expand.

The government has taken several steps towards alternative fuels and electrification. In the long term, fuels like CPG, hydrogen, and methanol may be used. The key challenge is that if a technology comes from fossil sources, carbon may be reduced, but it cannot be completely eliminated.

Role of Carbon Neutral Technologies and Vehicles:

In the development of carbon-neutral vehicles, it’s not just about technological solutions but also the source of energy. Whether it is an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), if their energy source is not carbon-neutral, their real impact will be minimal.

Technological Development and Localisation in India:

Promoting clean energy technology in India and making it affordable is crucial. The government has prioritised "Make in India" to develop clean energy technologies domestically. India has abundant raw materials, but strengthening the supply chain is essential.

Supply Chain and Customer Acceptance:

Investment is being made in infrastructure and technological development, but developing the supply chain in the right direction and raising customer awareness about these new technologies is crucial. Whether it is fuels like CNG, ethanol, or hydrogen, building the supply chain and ensuring customer acceptance play a key role.

Conclusion:

India’s journey towards Net Zero cannot be achieved by the government, industry, or investors alone. A holistic approach and collaboration from all parties are necessary. Unless all technologies are accepted by customers and align with national objectives, we cannot move in the right direction. The time has come for us to find new solutions at both technical and political levels so that India can achieve the Net Zero target by 2070.