India’s climate policies set to cut 4 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030: Report

India’s climate policies are on track to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around four billion tonnes from 2020 to 2030, leading to a 24% drop in coal-based power generation, according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). This projection surpasses India’s COP26 commitment to reduce emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.

CEEW’s analysis reveals that policies across India’s power, residential, and transport sectors saved 440 million tonnes of CO2 between 2015 and 2020. In the power sector, renewable energy initiatives are projected to cut coal-based electricity generation by 24% by 2030, avoiding the installation of 80 GW in coal plants.

Currently, coal generates 71% of India’s electricity. With continued support, solar and wind power could account for 26% of India’s energy mix by 2030 and 43% by 2050, drastically cutting coal reliance, which drives nearly half of the country’s CO2 emissions.

India’s transition toward renewables includes the National Solar Mission, FAME I and II for electric mobility, and the UJALA programme promoting LED usage, all of which impact energy demand and supply. CEO of CEEW, Arunabha Ghosh, emphasized that COP29 must direct climate finance to developing countries like India to strengthen renewable markets.

In the transport sector, policies like FAME are paving the way for significant electric vehicle growth. By 2030, electric two-wheeler and four-wheeler sales could comprise 19% and 11% of their markets, respectively, potentially cutting oil and gas demand by 13% by 2030 and up to 55% by 2050.

For the residential sector, energy efficiency efforts, especially the UJALA programme, are projected to reduce lighting electricity use by 48% by 2030. Cooling needs are also expected to grow due to rising incomes and temperatures, with air-conditioning demand surging nearly tenfold by 2050.

Lead author Vaibhav Chaturvedi stated that India’s climate policies have set the country on the right path toward the 2070 net-zero goal. Future steps include scaling renewable energy investments, enhancing the domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, and boosting efficiency in industry, transport, and buildings.