Using technology to reduce carbon footprint: India’s journey to net zero – Sustainability News

Author: Ranjit Kulkarni

The United Nations reports that global temperatures have already increased by about 1.1°C since the end of the 19th century. This is largely due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, inefficient planning and use of resources, which have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record and this is not a new trend. No previous decade since 1850 has been hotter than any of the last four decades.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human-induced global warming is currently increasing at a rate of 0.2°C per decade. Some of the effects include extreme drought, water shortages, wildfires, rising sea levels, floods, disappearing polar ice, devastating storms and reduced biodiversity.

India is committed to its Net Zero mission and will achieve this goal through a long-term low-carbon development strategy. The use of new technologies will be crucial in achieving this milestone. India has embarked on a multi-sectoral decarbonization effort that leverages both mitigation and carbon capture strategies while keeping energy security, carbon equity and socio-economic transformation aspirations in mind.

Energy efficiency: Microgrids and Net Zero Emission Economic Zones

As part of India’s journey towards net zero emissions, it is encouraging the creation of net zero emission special economic zones in areas well suited to renewable energy generation through the deployment of micro-grids. This approach will support inclusive growth and build world-class low-carbon infrastructure locally, enabling the production of sustainable net zero emissions products for export markets. This initiative enables India to actively participate in valuable emerging global sustainability supply chains.

Microgrids increase energy efficiency, improve grid reliability and facilitate the local use of renewable resources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Improves access to sustainable energy at affordable prices. Net economic zones, focused on net zero initiatives, serve as hubs for green technology and innovation, benefiting from regulatory incentives that drive the development and export of sustainable products. Together, these systems not only support local energy solutions, but also drive a nationwide shift towards a low-carbon economy by rapidly replicating successful sustainable development models.

The role of artificial intelligence

AI and machine learning are key tools to help achieve net zero emissions. AI improves the prediction of climate change trends by measuring and analyzing carbon emissions from various sources, such as deforestation, industry, and transportation. AI also helps assess the possible impacts of climate change on different sectors. These analyses help monitor emissions, understand their patterns, and develop solutions. This information is key to creating strategies and policies to address climate challenges. AI has accelerated technology development, testing, and deployment while reducing investment risk and costs.

Carbon capture for the future

India is also taking steps towards net zero emissions by using reliable and proven carbon capture technologies to reduce emissions from refineries and other sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement and power. Carbon capture technologies enable industries to use sustainable carbon dioxide removal methods that prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This supports India’s goals for a just and systematic energy transition.

Honeywell’s clean H2 solutions help companies meet stringent emissions targets and quickly gain access to the growing hydrogen economy.

As industries join the green revolution, it is advisable to introduce policies and incentives to mandate the addition of green hydrogen to refinery and fertilizer production processes by 2030. This can help generate demand for green hydrogen and facilitate the transition to a hydrogen economy in India.

Overall, India can implement decarbonization policies across sectors to reduce emissions on a large scale. Chemistry, cement, energy, iron and steel, aluminum, transport, aviationand other carbon-intensive industries have significant potential to reduce emissions through the adoption of clean technologies, and policies can help accelerate this process.

Green transport: from sustainable aviation to electric vehicles

India is working on its vision for energy independence by 2047. This requires a holistic approach to all modes of transport, as each will transition to cleaner energy at a different pace. A recent report shows that transportation is the fastest growing source of CO2 emissions in the country. Work is already underway to reverse this trend and promote the switch to electric vehicles.In 2015, India introduced faster adoption and production of hybrid and electric vehicles (FAME) II program creating incentives for the production and purchase of electric vehicles. Once considered a niche product, electric vehicles are becoming more common, with their sales in India expected to quadruple in 2021-22.

India’s biofuel policy is another driver of investment in a low-carbon economy that addresses energy security while encouraging local businesses and farmers to participate in the ecosystem. In addition to biofuel blending targets for road transport, the government recently set new biofuel targets for the aviation sector. The country aims to achieve a 2% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in jet fuel by 2028 for all international flights to help reduce the impact of climate change. Honeywell is a leader in SAF technology with its extensive portfolio of solutions. More than 50 refineries worldwide have chosen its technology to produce SAF, using locally available bio-based feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, greases, biomass, municipal solid waste and CO2 sources to produce sustainable fuel.

Building tomorrow: sustainable urbanization and green architecture

In the urbanization and building efficiency sector, it is suggested to transform the Smart Cities program into the Sustainable Cities program. This change would increase the reach of the program and enable the inclusion of smaller tier 2/3 cities through a hub and spoke model. It is also recommended to raise the standards of green and sustainable construction in these cities. These buildings would need to use sustainable building materials, energy-efficient lighting systems, integrate renewable energy on-site, understand usage patterns and install efficient HVAC systems, which would lead to lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. Solutions like Honeywell Forge Sustainability + for Buildings goes beyond identifying outliers and opportunities within a building portfolio and empowers users to take the actions needed to correct or stay on course. The solution’s advanced control capabilities enable customers to adjust building systems—either manually or autonomously—to manage energy use, manage costs, and improve resilience. Adopting a green building strategy is a holistic approach that can leverage technology and deliver benefits to the environment, occupants, and the economy as a whole.

India is on the cusp of building world-class civic, industrial, digital and logistics infrastructure with a green mindset. Implementing the latest technologies is crucial to reducing the country’s carbon emissions, but the upfront cost and uncertain return on investment can often be a barrier for those looking to implement these new strategies. Governments can facilitate the energy transition by formulating support policies, allocating resources to research and development, and offering financial incentives.

A comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, driven by increased awareness and collaborative efforts by governments, businesses and communities, will contribute to India’s path to net zero emissions. This collective effort is essential to accelerate the energy transition and harness new technologies to create a sustainable future.

The author is Vice President and General Manager, Energy Solutions and Sustainability, Honeywell India.

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