Decarbonisation of India’s Major Emission-heavy Sectors

Syllabus- Environment [GS Paper-3]

02/09/2025

81 2 minutes read

Decarbonisation of India’s Major Emission-heavy Sectors UPSC

Context

According to a new study by the Center for Social and Economic Progress, India will need an additional $467 billion by 2030 to decarbonize four of its sectors, with high emissions including road transportation, power, cement, and steel.

Key Highlights

Decarbonization is the method through which carbon dioxide emissions (or their equivalents) are cut to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Paris Agreement stipulates that lowering the amount of carbon dioxide produced by transportation and electricity generation is necessary in order to comply with international temperature standards.
Using sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, and biomass is part of this procedure.

India’s polluting industries must be decarbonized

India’s CO2 emissions are primarily made up of power, roads, cement, and steel.
In order to achieve their national and international climate targets, they must lower their carbon footprint.
India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement necessitate significant changes in certain sectors.
Air Quality and Public Health: High emissions from some industries have a major impact on NOx and PM2.5 concentrations, which has an effect on urban health.
Energy Security: Less reliance on fossil fuels improves strategic independence and lowers import expenses.
Economic Competitiveness: Without green transitions, India runs the risk of losing trade advantages as global markets move towards low-carbon supply chains.

Obstacles

Environmental necessity: Coal still accounts for more than 70% of electricity generation; to phase it out, there must be a significant expansion of renewable energy.
Gaps in Technology: Battery storage, CCS (carbon capture and storage), and green hydrogen are still expensive and in their infancy.
Regulatory Fragmentation: The implementation process is hampered by the overlap of responsibilities between national and state organizations.
- - India’s financing requirements are projected to be about $467 billion by 2030 in order to decarbonize the four industries that produce the most emissions.
The majority of this investment ($251 billion for steel and $141 billion for cement, respectively, two of the hardest sectors to decarbonize) is needed mostly for technologies like carbon capture and storage.
Road transportation needs $18 billion, while the power industry, which is already shifting toward renewable energy, needs $47 billion.
- - Reskilling and social safety are necessary for the millions of workers in the fossil fuel industry.

Advancement

India has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition by generating 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, which is five years ahead of schedule.
This progress demonstrates robust policy leadership, notably through initiatives like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar, which have provided farmers and families with solar power.
Bioenergy, wind power, and utility-scale solar parks have all seen tremendous growth, providing co-benefits such as lower air pollution, better public health, and employment for rural areas.
India’s accomplishment places it in the role of a world climate leader, promoting equality and environmentally responsible lifestyles.

Recommendations and Course of Action

India’s dedication to sustainable development is demonstrated by its progress in reaching 50% non-fossil fuel capacity ahead of schedule.
- - It demonstrates that decarbonization and economic growth may coexist.
To lead the world in climate action, India must take a bold, inclusive, and tech-driven approach as it aims to achieve net-zero by 2070 and 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Sector-specific roadmaps with defined milestones, grid modernization, and solid public-private partnerships are necessary for India to decarbonize its main high-polluting industries.

Source: The Indian Express