In a comprehensive analysis shedding light on India’s energy transition trajectory, a recent report from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) underscores the continued reliance on coal and the indispensable role of nuclear power in achieving the nation’s net-zero emission aspirations by 2070.
The report, sanctioned by the office of the principal scientific adviser (PSA) to the government, offers critical insights into the complexities of India’s energy landscape and underscores the challenges and opportunities on the path to carbon neutrality. Titled “Synchronizing Energy Transitions towards Possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All,” the report is a pioneering endeavor in the realm of independent domestic studies, examining India’s energy transition dynamics while accounting for the imperative of economic development and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes that coal is projected to remain a cornerstone of India’s energy system for the next two decades, even as the country endeavors to diversify its energy mix and enhance reliance on renewable sources.
However, the report unequivocally states that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is contingent upon substantial contributions from nuclear power and renewable energy generation. Recognizing the scale of the challenge, the report estimates a staggering requirement of Rs 150-200 lakh crore (approximately $2-2.5 trillion) to facilitate India’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2070. Crucially, the report outlines four potential pathways towards net-zero emissions, highlighting the imperative for decarbonization within the electricity sector well before the target year. It underscores the need for a holistic approach, encompassing all facets of power generation, to realize India’s net-zero ambitions while ensuring affordable and clean energy access for all segments of society.
Partially funded by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), the report was released by Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to the government, on April 3. Its findings underscore the critical importance of aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability, providing policymakers and stakeholders with invaluable insights to navigate the complexities of India’s energy transition journey. Through concerted efforts and strategic interventions, India can chart a course towards a greener, more sustainable future while balancing the imperatives of development and climate action. On the occasion, A K Mohanty, secretary, department of atomic energy and chairman, AEC, gave an overview of India’s on-going nuclear programme and the plans for increasing the nuclear power installed capacity from around 7.5 GW now to 100GW by 2047. India already has a plan to reach around 22.5 GW of nuclear power installed capacity by 2030.
