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Is India on track to meet its Paris commitments

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The country may not meet its targets completely but is within reach to achieve a substantial part of it.

India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounted for 6.5 per cent of 2014 global total, according to data from the World Resources Institute. This made the country the fourth-largest emitter after China, the United States and the European Union. Per capita, India’s emission from fossil fuels (in 2017) is by far the lowest among major economies:

India: 1.83 MT carbon dioxide (CO2)
China: 7.72 MT in China
The EU: 6.97 MT
The US: 15.74 MT

Despite its low per capita emissions, India has made significant commitments in its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 as part of the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Action Tracker website has rated its climate efforts as "2-degree compatible" = that can contribute to limiting warming by the end of the century to 2? Celsius; making India the only major economy to be so highly rated. India’s headline Paris pledge was to reduce the emission intensity of its gross domestic product (GHG emissions per unit GDP) by 33-35 per cent over 2005 levels by 2030. Assessing progress towards this target is tough: Official emissions data, which India communicates to the UNFCCC, is available until 2014 only. Also, data is available only for select years (1994, 2000, 2007, 2010 and 2014), not including the baseline year 2005.

This data (in conjunction with World Bank data for GDP) shows an unwelcome trend: A decrease in the rate of reduction of emission intensity during 2010-14 from 2007-10, as emissions continued to grow unabated despite a weakening of economic growth. More recent unofficial estimates indicate that this trend may have been temporary.

India’s annual GDP growth was only about 1 percentage point slower than the average in the years before, emission growth rate nearly halved, from 4.8 per cent before 2015 to 2.3 per cent in 2015 and 2.9 per cent in 2016 and 2017, according to the 2018 edition of the Trends in Global CO2 and Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions report by the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. These fluctuations point to the perils of the assumption that the decoupling of economic growth from emissions is a straightforward process.

In its second Biennial Update Report submitted to the UNFCCC in 2019, India claimed to have reduced the emission intensity of its economy by 21 per cent by 2014. But it didn’t specify emissions data for 2005 or the GDP data series used to arrive at the conclusion.

Nevertheless, the figure indicates that India is on track to meet the 2030 emission intensity commitment. An analysis by US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis has gone so far as to argue that the figure indicates that India could meet its target a decade early.

A study by Navroz Dubash and others published last year in Environmental Research Letters analysed seven previously published energy / emission scenarios together with current policies, and similarly argued that India’s economy-emission trajectory was consistent with the Paris Agreement.

A note on emission intensity is in order. It is a quantity that has decreased over time in many economies. One study shows CO2 emission intensity of the global economy has been steadily falling since at least 1990. This is not just due to, say, an increasing usage of renewable energy or energy efficiency, but also due to the change in the sectoral composition of the economy as it shifts from industry to (often less energy-intensive) services.

There is little clarity as to the extent to which the claimed 21 per cent reduction between 2005 and 2014 is due to concerted climate action. For comparison, in its own NDC, China claimed to have reduced the CO2 emission intensity of its GDP by 33.8 per cent during the same period.

In addition, India’s NDC also committed to ensuring that 40 per cent of its installed power capacity is from non-fossil sources (renewables, hydroelectric and nuclear) by 2030. There is an interim target of 175 GW of non-hydel renewable power by 2022 (up from 35 GW in 2015). Non-fossil sources accounted for about 37 per cent of India’s power capacity, as of September 2019, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Thus, the larger 2030 target seems like an easy one to achieve. Indeed the CEA’s projections yield an installed non-fossil capacity equivalent to nearly 65 per cent of the total capacity by 2029-30. However, on the interim target of 175 GW of non-hydro renewables by 2022, despite strong initial progress, the Government’s plans appear to be floundering.

A recent CRISIL report indicated that India may fall short of this interim target by as high as 42 per cent. If at all the target can be met, it will require more concerted effort by the government and the private sector. India’s final key pledge at Paris was the creation of an additional carbon sink equivalent to 2.5-3 billion tonne CO2 by 2030 through additional forest and tree cover. Analysts agreed that progress on the forestry goal was far from robust.

The Green India Mission, which seeks to work towards the target is woefully underfunded and has been regularly missing its annual targets. This has rendered the fulfilment of the 2030 pledge hard if not altogether unlikely. Thus India is making reasonable progress on two of the three key pledges it made in Paris. The Government needs to correct course where its policy is faltering. It also needs to invest in generating data more regularly than the bare minimum required by the UNFCCC so that way claims can be validated and data analysed to understand the underlying trends.

Courtesy: Kapil Subramanian for Down to Earth Updated on Octoebr 23, 2019 to reflect that the India’s pledge was for 2030, not 2020.

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Economy & Market

Fornnax launches world’s biggest secondary/fine shredder for AFR pre-processing

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Fornnax has introduced its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, for handling low-density waste streams, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants.

Fornnax Technology has launched its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, the biggest secondary shredder in its class. The unveiling took place on 14th October, 2025 at IFAT India 2025 in Mumbai, one of the most prestigious events for environmental technologies, waste management, and sustainable resource innovation.

The launch ceremony was graced by esteemed industry leaders and dignitaries. The guest list included Md Fahim Sopariwala, CEO, GEPIL India; Sridhar Jagannathan, Vice President, Zigma Global; Priyesh Bhatti, CEO, GEPIL India; Shailendra Singh, Deputy General Manager, Prism Johnson (Cement Division); Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Policy Advocacy and Co-processing; Saurabh Palsania, Joint President (Strategic Sourcing), Shree Cement; Rajeev Patel, DGM (Process), Mangalam Cement; and Anumodan Kumar Dubey, Mangalam Cement.

This state-of-the-art equipment represents a significant advancement for India’s recycling and waste processing landscape, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants and waste-to-energy facilities.

Building on the proven performance and legacy of the R Series secondary shredder, which has long been trusted for high-density materials like tyres and cables, the newly introduced R-MAX3300 is specifically engineered for handling low-density waste streams. These include Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste, Bulky waste, Legacy waste, Wood waste, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.

By incorporating advanced shredding technology, the R-MAX3300 enables seamless and highly efficient production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) within the ideal particle size range of 30 to 50 mm. Its design prioritises versatility, durability and superior performance, directly supporting industrial operations that demand consistency and scale.

“The R-MAX3300 represents a monumental leap forward in our vision to become a global leader by 2030 in recycling technology through innovation,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology. “With the rising challenges of waste management in India and globally, this machine is not just a product; it’s a powerful tool for change. We engineered it to handle the most difficult waste streams with unparalleled efficiency, turning what was once considered unusable waste into a valuable resource. It directly addresses the urgent demand for effective, large-scale shredding technology that can support cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities in achieving the desired output,” he added.

The launch of the R-MAX3300 arrives at a pivotal moment. India currently generates over 160,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily, while government-led initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities are accelerating the demand for RDF and waste-to-energy solutions. Simultaneously, the global industrial shredder market is expected to grow at a 5–6 per cent CAGR, driven by stricter recycling regulations and increasing waste generation.

Kundaria further emphasised, “Our commitment goes beyond just selling machinery; it’s about empowering our customers to achieve lasting efficiency, sustainability, and growth. We see ourselves as a trusted partner who stands beside them at every step – from technology deployment to ongoing support, ensuring they can rely on Fornnax not only for performance but also for consistency, dependability, and long-term value.”

The R-MAX3300 is equipped to handle high-throughput processing of pre-shredded or coarse materials, making it ideal for SRF/RDF production, composting pre-treatment, and volume reduction for logistics optimisation. It is expected to play a crucial role in Integrated Waste Management Projects (IWMP) and bio-mining operations both within India and globally.

With this grand launch, Fornnax continues to set global benchmark and move decisively towards the vision of becoming global leader in recycling technology by 2030 that is state-of-the-art, innovative, economical, efficient reliable and eco-friendly.

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Concrete

Fornnax wins Top Domestic Sales Award 2024-25 by AIRIA

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Fornnax bags the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).

The company has been honoured with the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) under the Rubber Machineries and Equipment category. The award recognises Fornnax’s exceptional market leadership, strong sales performance and continued commitment to sustainable innovation.

With over a decade of specialised expertise, Fornnax has emerged as a transformative force in India’s tyre recycling sector, commanding nearly 90 per cent of the domestic market while steadily expanding across Europe, Australia, the GCC, and other global regions.

Fornnax’s advanced recycling systems—comprising the SR-Series Primary Shredders, R-Series Secondary Shredders, and TR-Series Granulators—are engineered for durability, efficiency, and high-output performance. These technologies are widely deployed in end-of-life tyre (ELT) processing and other waste management applications, reinforcing Fornnax’s reputation as a trusted industry partner.

Expressing his gratitude, Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from AIRIA. This award validates the trust that our customers and partners have placed in us over the years. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our clients and partners who have been an integral part of this journey and our continued success. At Fornnax, our goal has always been to empower the recycling industry with innovative, high-performance solutions that make sustainability both achievable and profitable.”

The award also underscores Fornnax’s pivotal role in promoting circular economy practices by enabling the conversion of end-of-life tyres and rubber waste into reusable raw materials. Through ongoing R&D, new product innovation, and a solutions-driven approach, the company continues to help industries worldwide adopt eco-conscious, scalable recycling models.

As India’s recycling landscape evolves to meet global sustainability benchmarks, Fornnax stands at the forefront with internationally certified technology, a proven track record, and a clear vision for environmentally responsible growth.

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Concrete

Pacific Avenue Completes Acquisition of FLSmidth Cement; Rebrands as Fuller Technologies

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The acquisition of FLSmidth Cement by Pacific Avenue Capital Partners marks a new phase of focused growth and innovation.
Rebranded as Fuller® Technologies, the company will continue delivering world-class solutions with renewed investment and direction.

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners (“Pacific Avenue”), a global private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of FLSmidth Cement following the fulfillment of all customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction includes all of FLSmidth Cement’s intellectual property, technology, employees, manufacturing facilities, and global sales and service organizations.

As Fuller Technologies, the company will continue to seamlessly support its customers while advancing its robust portfolio of capital equipment, digital solutions, and service offerings. With a sharpened focus on Pyro and Grinding technologies, alongside core brands such as PFISTER®, Ventomatic®, Pneumatic Conveying, and Automation, Fuller Technologies aims to deliver enhanced value and reliability across the cement and industrial sectors.

Under Pacific Avenue’s ownership, Fuller Technologies will benefit from increased investment in people, products, and innovation. The dedicated management team will work to optimize operations and strengthen customer relationships, ensuring continuity and excellence during this exciting transition.

“We are proud to be the new owner of FLSmidth Cement, now Fuller Technologies, a global leader with a rich history of providing mission-critical equipment and aftermarket solutions in the cement and industrial sectors. We will continue to build upon the Company’s legacy of being at the forefront of technological innovation, service delivery, and product quality as we support our customers’ operations,” says Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner and Founder of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners.

Pacific Avenue’s deep experience in executing complex industrial carve-outs and guiding standalone businesses into their next growth phase will be instrumental in shaping Fuller Technologies’ future. With a proven track record in building products and capital equipment industries, Pacific Avenue is poised to help Fuller Technologies optimize performance, accelerate growth, and create long-term value for its customers and stakeholders worldwide.

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