India's Clean Energy Transformation

The nation's commitment to the world community is strengthened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement at the COP26 summit, namely the Panchamrit pledge.

- R.K. PACHNANDA

This strategic and forward-looking initiative outlines India's roadmap to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, raising non-fossil fuel-based energy generation capacity to 500 gigawatts, meeting 50% of the country's energy requirement through renewable sources by 2030, reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% and thereby cutting down total carbon emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. This five-point framework reflects India's seriousness in addressing global climate challenges while maintaining its developmental trajectory.

India is fast emerging as a trailblazer in climate action, taking significant steps to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously building resilience and adaptive capacity to cushion against any adverse climate impacts. Few countries, especially among the developing world, can boast of such a stellar achievement in balancing environmental sustainability with economic aspirations. The initiatives undertaken by India in the energy sector are multi-pronged, focusing on expanding access to energy, strengthening infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and implementing structural and financial reforms. The overarching aim is to establish 500 GW of renewable power generation capacity, implement the National Green Hydrogen Mission, ensure self-reliance in energy production by 2047, develop 5,000 compressed biogas plants, and promote key sectors that exhibit both strong backward and forward economic linkages.