Introduction
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, with rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. In this context, achieving net zero emissions—a state where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere—has become a critical target for nations worldwide. India, the world’s third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. This ambitious goal is underpinned by a national shift towards green technologies that promote sustainability without compromising development.
Green technologies offer a pathway to decarbonization across sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, construction, and industry. This article explores the concept of green technologies, India’s key strategies for net zero, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Understanding Green Technologies
Green technologies, also known as clean technologies, refer to innovative tools and practices that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. They aim to minimize waste, conserve resources, lower carbon emissions, and enhance energy efficiency. Some prominent examples include:
- Renewable Energy Technologies (solar, wind, hydro, biomass)
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cells
- Energy-efficient appliances and green buildings
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Waste-to-energy conversion
These technologies form the backbone of climate action strategies, making them indispensable to India’s net zero roadmap.
India’s Net Zero Commitment: An Overview
At the COP26 summit held in Glasgow in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s bold climate pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The commitment includes:
- Increasing non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030
- Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables
- Reducing total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes
- Reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030
- Achieving net zero emissions by 2070
These targets are integrated into India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and they signal a shift from intent to actionable policy.
I. Role of Green Technologies in India’s Net Zero Journey
1. Renewable Energy Expansion
India is witnessing a rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity:
- Solar Power: India ranks among the top five solar energy producers globally. Programs like PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Scheme aim to promote decentralized solar installations.
- Wind Energy: Particularly strong in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- Hydropower and biomass are also being tapped to diversify the energy mix.
As of 2024, India’s installed renewable capacity has crossed 180 GW, with a target of 500 GW by 2030. Green energy reduces dependence on coal and cuts emissions significantly.
2. Electrification of Transport
The transport sector contributes nearly 14% of India’s carbon emissions. Green technologies like electric mobility and biofuels are crucial:
- FAME II Scheme promotes electric two-wheelers, cars, and buses.
- Battery swapping policies, charging infrastructure, and production-linked incentives (PLIs) for EVs are supporting rapid adoption.
- Green hydrogen fuel is being tested for long-distance transport and heavy-duty vehicles.
India aims to have 30% of vehicles electrified by 2030, a major step toward emission reduction.
3. Energy Efficiency and Green Buildings
Green technologies in the construction and appliance sectors are critical for urban sustainability:
- The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) mandates energy-efficient design in buildings.
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) promotes 5-star rated appliances, smart meters, and LED adoption under the UJALA scheme.
- Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) and LEED certification are pushing for environmentally sustainable buildings.
With rapid urbanization, energy efficiency can offset future emissions substantially.
4. Decarbonizing Industry
Industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals are highly energy-intensive. India is investing in:
- Low-carbon industrial processes using hydrogen and biomass.
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) pilot projects.
- Smart manufacturing using IoT and AI to reduce waste and optimize energy use.
Under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, large industries are mandated to improve energy efficiency, helping reduce carbon intensity.
5. Climate-smart Agriculture
Agriculture contributes about 17-20% of India’s GHG emissions, mostly from rice cultivation, livestock, and fertilizers. Green solutions include:
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) to reduce chemical use.
- Drip and sprinkler irrigation to conserve water.
- Bio-fertilizers, crop rotation, and integrated pest management.
- Agri-voltaics, combining solar energy with farming.
These measures help in reducing emissions while improving productivity and resilience to climate change.
6. Waste Management and Circular Economy
India generates over 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. Green technologies for waste-to-energy conversion, recycling, and biodegradable alternatives are essential:
- Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 supports decentralized waste management.
- Plastic Waste Management Rules encourage extended producer responsibility (EPR).
- Biogas plants and waste composting units are being promoted at the village and urban levels.
Moving toward a circular economy reduces emissions from landfills and industrial waste.
II. Policy and Institutional Framework Supporting Green Technologies
India has launched several policies and missions to support the green transition:
1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Launched in 2008, NAPCC includes eight national missions, such as:
- National Solar Mission
- National Electric Mobility Mission
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
These missions guide sector-specific green technology adoption.
2. National Green Hydrogen Mission
Announced in 2023, the mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen by:
- Producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
- Creating a green hydrogen ecosystem across industry and mobility sectors.
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and boosting exports.
3. Renewable Energy and Manufacturing Incentives
India’s PLI schemes for solar PV modules, advanced battery storage, and semiconductors aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing for green tech components.
4. International Cooperation and Financing
India is part of global partnerships such as:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Mission Innovation
Funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and World Bank clean energy loans also help finance green infrastructure projects.
III. Challenges on the Path to Net Zero
While the roadmap is promising, India faces significant challenges:
1. Financial Constraints
Green technologies often involve high upfront costs. Many small businesses and farmers cannot afford the transition without subsidies, loans, or insurance support.
2. Technological Gaps and Dependence
India still imports high-end components like lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and semiconductor chips. R&D investments and intellectual property rights need to be strengthened for self-reliance.
3. Energy Transition and Coal Dependency
Coal still powers over 60% of India’s electricity. A just transition must ensure that workers and states dependent on coal are not left behind.
4. Behavioral and Institutional Barriers
- Lack of awareness among consumers and small enterprises.
- Resistance to change in traditional industries and agriculture.
- Inadequate coordination between central and state policies.
5. Climate Vulnerability
India’s exposure to floods, heatwaves, and droughts increases operational risks for renewable energy and green infrastructure.
IV. Opportunities and Way Forward
Despite these challenges, India is well-positioned to lead the green revolution:
1. Green Job Creation
Green technology deployment will create new employment in sectors like:
- Renewable energy
- Electric mobility
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainable farming
Skill development initiatives must align with these opportunities.
2. Innovation and Startups
India’s startup ecosystem can drive innovation in:
- Clean energy storage
- Carbon markets
- Smart grids
- Climate-resilient agriculture
Schemes like Startup India and Climate Startup Accelerators can be leveraged.
3. Community Participation
Empowering communities through awareness campaigns, local governance, and incentives will ensure widespread adoption of green practices.
4. Data and Digital Technologies
AI, blockchain, and satellite-based monitoring can optimize energy use, track emissions, and enable transparent climate action.
Conclusion
India’s transition to net zero emissions is both a necessity and an opportunity. Green technologies offer scalable and sustainable solutions to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. With a strong policy foundation, international cooperation, and a culture of innovation, India can lead the global fight against climate change.
The road to 2070 will require consistent investments, inclusive development, and active public engagement. If implemented wisely, green technologies will not only help India meet its climate targets but also ensure energy security, improved health outcomes, and a better quality of life for future generations.
