Climate Action, Net Zero, De-carbonisation, Green Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
The Government stands committed to tackle the global challenge of climate change. India’s climate action is guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the long-term strategy to reach net-zero by 2070 and it cuts across various sectors of the economy. India has shown its willingness to be at the forefront in the global fight against climate change despite having a miniscule contribution to the historical cumulative global GHG emissions. India houses about 17% of the global population but its historical cumulative contribution is less than 4 %.
Emission intensity of our GDP is reduced by 33 % between 2005 and 2019. Hence, the target on reduction of emission intensity has been achieved well ahead of the schedule. As on 31.10.2024, the cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources is 46.52% of the total cumulative electric power installed capacity. India has updated its NDC targets to 45% of reduction in emission intensity and 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources, by 2030. India is on track to meet its global commitments on climate change.
Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) has an important and critical role to play in decarbonising the industrial and power sector. CCUS is key to ensuring sustainable development and growth in India, particularly for the production of clean products and energy, leading to an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The National Clean Air Programme launched in 2019 covers 130 cities in 24 States and UTs with an objective to achieve substantial improvement in air quality, up to 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2025-26 from 2017-18. We have achieved more than 20% reduction of particulate matter in 55 cities and 40% reduction in 23 cities till 2023- 2024. Due to continuous efforts, 18 of the above cities are meeting national air ambient air quality standards. Total fund for Rs.11,200 crore have been allocated to these cities for air pollution mitigation measures. A PRANA portal has been launched to update the air quality data in real time.