The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has presented a comprehensive study outlining India's journey to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The study emphasises the importance of decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions and outlines strategies for various sectors to achieve sustainable development
In a significant step towards achieving India’s net zero target by 2070, the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) presented a discussion study entitled ‘India’s Journey to Net Zero: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis’.
During the session, TERI unveiled a conceptual framework that qualitatively identifies the main carbon-emitting sectors in India, such as electricity, transport, industry, agriculture, and residential cooking. The study assumes India will soon become a developed nation, and per capita carbon emissions will reach the level of advanced economies. The emissions would reach a peak and follow a declining trajectory. The study focuses on the importance of decoupling India’s growth from carbon emissions. With India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the study is crucial and assesses the pathways and studies that would be required for India’s low carbon trajectory.
Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, commented on the significance of the session, underscoring the focus on decoupling the growth in supply and demand from carbon emissions. With a rise in emissions, for example, heat in urban areas would lead to more cooling requirements. Redesigning buildings that require less cooling would, therefore, be crucial. Reducing demand for transportation would also lead to emission reductions.
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasised the need for more detailed research following initial findings. She highlighted the importance of rigorous sectoral analysis, detailed modelling, scenario generation with cost implications, and projections of alternative pathways to achieve net zero.
Ajay Shankar, a Distinguished Fellow at TERI, led the study, outlining a pathway for emissions to peak and decline, which is crucial for decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions. The study suggests that peaking electricity sector emissions is not only feasible but can also be achieved at no additional cost. Furthermore, transitioning transport and cooking to electricity can not only reduce costs but also significantly contribute to emission reductions. As emissions reach zero and all transport becomes green, about 55 percent of current emissions will be eliminated, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
India's proactive approach, including the National Hydrogen Mission, aims to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and reinforce its role in global climate action. However, achieving net zero emissions is a collective endeavour. Pilot projects are key to our success, and the discussion emphasised the challenging path to net zero and the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders. The framework proposes strategies for each sector and stresses the urgent need to separate carbon emission growth from economic growth for sustainable development. Your active participation and support are crucial in this journey.