The role of government policies and initiatives

The accelerated deployment and production of hybrid and electric vehicles (FAME) program encourages the deployment of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure.

New Delhi: India, as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, plays a key role in global efforts to combat climate change. As the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions gains importance, achieving net zero emissions has become a key goal around the world. Net zero emissions refer to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. In this context, government policies and initiatives play a key role in steering India towards this ambitious goal.

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India’s net zero journey spans across sectors such as energy, transport, industry and agriculture, requiring a comprehensive approach. The Government of India has introduced several influential policies and initiatives to reduce emissions, promote the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

One such landmark policy is the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008. NAPCC presents a comprehensive strategy with eight country missions, including initiatives focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture and forestation. These missions provide a guiding framework for policy formulation and implementation in relevant sectors, contributing to tangible progress towards net zero emissions.

In recent years, India has significantly increased its efforts to promote the use of renewable energy. The government’s ambitious target of 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 underlines its commitment to the transition to a low-carbon energy system. Initiatives such as Jawaharlal Nehru’s National Solar Mission and the Green Energy Corridors project are accelerating the use of solar and wind energy while improving grid infrastructure to support renewable energy integration.

Additionally, India has focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in industries through programs such as Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). These initiatives encourage industries to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices, reducing their carbon footprint and increasing competitiveness in a sustainable way.

In the transport sector, policies have been introduced to promote electric mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The accelerated deployment and production of hybrid and electric vehicles (FAME) program encourages the deployment of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure. Initiatives such as the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms mandate stricter vehicle emission norms, helping to reduce pollutants from internal combustion engine vehicles.

While India has made significant progress in the fight against climate change, there are valuable lessons to be learned from countries like Sweden and Norway. These countries have implemented comprehensive policies including carbon pricing, renewable energy incentives and stringent emissions regulations, demonstrating the feasibility of ambitious climate action with strong political will and effective policy implementation.

Taking India to net zero requires collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society and citizens. The continued implementation of effective policies and initiatives will be crucial to realizing this vision and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

Author: Rajesh Gupta, Founder and Director, Recyclekaro

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