Adrija Sen
August 19, 2022
India is currently the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, making it essential that we reduce our carbon footprint. To raise awareness about the importance of clean energy and to help conserve the environment, we celebrate Akshay Urja Diwas on August 20 every year, since 2004.
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To combat this and decrease levels of fossil fuel combustion, National Renewable Energy Day was first organised by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy and sustainable living.
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Amendments made this year to the Energy Conservation Act (2001) have introduced the setting up of India’s own carbon credit market. This will create demand for carbon-intensive industries like steel, cement and manufacturing to meet their sustainability targets, ideally creating a positive impact on the environment.
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Recognising the importance of combating climate change, India has set the target of becoming net-zero by 2070. India has a long history of sustainable living, and a push towards sustainability in the energy industry should aid us in meeting these goals.
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India mainly relies on fossil fuel imports for primary energy requirements. So the next step in renewable energy is to develop a domestic capacity to meet energy needs via clean energy sources. By 2030, India aims to meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tons and reduce carbon intensity by 45%.
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India is looking to use hydrogen as a fuel to ensure that 50% of the country’s energy becomes clean. Hydrogen is a versatile source of energy if produced using low-carbon emitting sources.
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Major players in the Indian energy landscape have declared plans to invest heavily in renewable and clean energy. As a result, the number of projects in renewable energy is increasing, with many new plants being set up in the country.
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Aside from all these industry changes, focus initiatives like solar energy, Mission Hydrogen and the adoption of electric vehicles are going to be key to reaching the next level of India’s energy independence.
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Since the pandemic, the world is feeling pressure from the oil and petrol industry, including India. A focus on building efficient systems for clean and green energy will help the environment and make us breathe easy, finding solutions to energy issues in the country.
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