Zero Carbon, Zero ICE

Context: The move towards net-zero emissions power and the phase-out of conventional fossil fuel vehicles are set to wash over and transform parts of the world.

Move towards net-zero emissions:

• Initiatives by different Countries:

• Outside Asia: European Union, New Zealand and Singapore have committed to neutralizing their impact on the environment.

• In Asia: Net-zero emission target of South Korea (2050), Japan (2050) and China (2060).

• Some countries had become climate negative: E.g.  Bhutan

• Pathways to net-zero emissions: Expansion of natural carbon sinks, reducing main sources of emissions related to power generation, transport, industry and agriculture

• Big oil companies are going green:  E.g. ConocoPhillips announced its intention to be neutral to the environment, Reliance Industries aims to be “net carbon-zero by 2035.” 

• Clean mobility for reducing emission: Globally, 44 national governments, regions and municipalities have committed to phasing out the sales of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.

India and Emissions: 

• Compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement: India is the only country that is compatible among the top five emitters of the world

• Non-fossil-fuel based power generation: Committed to increasing the share of non-fossil-fuel based power to 40 % of total installed capacity by 2030. (At present, 38.5 % are from non-fossil-fuel sources).

• Promotion of renewables:

• The solar target of 20,000 megawatts (Mw) by 2022 was increased up to 100,000 Mw
• The overall renewables target was raised to 175,000 Mw, and now the ambition is for 450,000 Mw of renewables by 2030.

• Promoting electric vehicles: Many states now have an electric vehicle policy to encourage sales, and Centre has Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME).

Conclusion: India needs to move fast on the track of electric mobility, particularly in cities to cut down emissions and move towards achieving a net-zero emission target.