Economy & Market

India’s Journey Towards Net Zero Emissions

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2025

Roshna

Pushpank Kaushik talks about India’s endeavours in laying the foundation for a sustainable future through ambitious renewable energy initiatives.

At the 26th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26) in November 2021, India committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goals under Article 4, Paragraph 19. This ambitious target reflects India’s dedication to a low-carbon development strategy, grounded in principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities. India has already surpassed its renewable energy target, achieving over 40 per cent non-fossil installed capacity nine years ahead of schedule. With plans to further reduce emissions intensity by 24 per cent below 2005 levels, the country aims to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions.

Sectors like manufacturing, especially cement, steel and chemicals, remain significant emission contributors. To decarbonise these industries, India is focusing on the circular economy, energy efficiency, electrification of heat and adoption of low-carbon fuels and technologies. By 2030, the country’s renewable energy advancements, excluding large hydro, are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 877 million tonnes.

By withdrawing inefficient thermal units—241 have already been closed—and switching to supercritical units for additional capacity, India is also concentrating on clean coal technologies. Efforts include encouraging electric vehicles and moving from BS IV to BS VI requirements for cleaner transportation. By 2030, the Ministry of Railways hopes to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60 million tonnes, making it a net zero carbon emitter.

Additionally, it is anticipated that the UJALA programme, the biggest LED endeavour in the world, will save 40 million tonnes of CO2 yearly.

Potential challenges
India’s commitment to a net zero target by 2070 faces significant challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The nation is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses after China and the US, and has the potential to meet this goal; they emphasise the need for more concrete sectoral targets, trajectories, and short-term milestones. The urgency for this initiative is underscored by India’s status as home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, contributing to high pollution-related mortality rates. Additionally, funding remains a critical issue as achieving the 2070 target requires an investment of $10.1 trillion; if the goal is accelerated to 2050, this figure increases to $13.5 trillion.

India’s progress toward net zero
Over the past nine years, India has made significant strides in its fight against climate change.

These include:

Exceeding renewable targets: Surpassed the 40 per cent renewable energy commitment ahead of the 2030 Paris

Agreement target.

National hydrogen mission: Launched to promote cost-effective green hydrogen production.
NITI Aayog’s framework: Established a comprehensive policy framework for achieving a net zero economy by 2070, focusing on transition plans, identifying challenges and proposing strategic climate policies.

Moreover, several industries as well have taken initiatives to achieve this goal:

Cement industry: According to the report by CEEW, as the second-largest cement producer globally, it is expected that cement demand will be boosted by India’s focus on infrastructure development. The lead in implementing energy-efficient measures and setting ambitious net zero targets is also being taken by the cement industry, with significant aid provided by the successful execution of the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, which fosters the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
Shipping industry: The Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and Harit Nauka Green Transition Guidelines are global initiatives that promote the use of green energy, sustainable port operations, and cleaner shipping practices. India plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070, with significant steps to decarbonise the maritime industry in accordance with the Maritime India Vision 2030. This includes investments in green port infrastructure, clean harbour boats, zero carbon fuels, emissions reduction measures, and the electrification of inland waters.
Power sector: In the 2024 budget, the government allocated 50 per cent more funds to power sector initiatives, focusing on green hydrogen, solar energy, and green energy corridors to meet its renewable energy target for 2030. To address the coal demand-supply mismatch, the Ministry of Power plans to replace coal with renewable energy generation in 81 thermal units by 2026. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects that India’s power requirement will rise to 817 GW by 2030, with renewable energy’s share expected to increase from 18 per cent to 44 per cent, while thermal energy’s share is anticipated to decrease from 78 per cent to 52 per cent.
Chemical sector: With 100 per cent FDI allowed under the automated route in the chemicals sector, global investments bring modern technologies and environmentally friendly industrial practices. The centre is also establishing a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to improve cost competitiveness in the sector, which indicates a strong commitment to environmentally responsible practices and contributes to the overarching objective of net zero emissions.

India’s transformation to a green economy is more than simply an ambitious goal; it is a well planned journey backed by clear policies and investments. India is establishing the groundwork for a sustainable future by pushing renewable energy programmes including green hydrogen, ethanol blending, and electric vehicles, as well as the PLI plan for solar PV installations. The difficulty is to balance the energy demands of a rising economy with the transition to a low-carbon energy mix, but with integrated planning and the implementation of new technologies, the route to net zero emissions by 2070 is becoming clearer. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone has access to inexpensive, reliable energy, even after the net zero targets are met.

About the author: Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development, Jassper Shipping, is a driven and enthusiastic CEO. His remarkable managerial skills and insights gained during his education from SP Jain School of Global Management has helped him to lead the company towards success.

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Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2026

admin

Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

Published

5 days ago

October 8, 2026

admin

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA,
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

Concrete

UltraTech becomes first Indian cement firm to cross 2 GW green energy

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2026

admin

UltraTech Cement has crossed 2 GW of captive green energy capacity, with renewables and waste heat recovery meeting 48 per cent of its power needs.

Mumbai

UltraTech Cement Limited has surpassed 2 GW of installed green energy capacity for captive use, becoming the first cement company in India to achieve the milestone. The Aditya Birla Group company commissioned 116.55 MW of wind capacity at its Inter-State Transmission System-connected wind-solar hybrid project in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with 10 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System capacity at Sarlanagar Cement Works in Karnataka.

With these additions, UltraTech’s cumulative installed green energy capacity has reached 2,024 MW. This includes 1,580 MW of renewable energy capacity and 444 MW of waste heat recovery capacity, together meeting around 48 per cent of the company’s current power requirements.

The company said the milestone reflects the progress of its long-term energy transition strategy. In FY27 so far, nearly one-third of UltraTech’s 76 manufacturing units in India have maintained green energy utilisation above 50 per cent of their electricity requirements, while five units have crossed 95 per cent.

K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Crossing the 2 GW green energy milestone is the result of a strategy we have pursued consistently over the past decade. Cement is an energy-intensive, hard-to-abate sector, and showing that reliability and growth can go hand in hand with a rapid shift to green energy sets a benchmark for the industry. With nearly half of our power needs now met through green energy, we are significantly less exposed to fossil fuel supply constraints and power price volatility. As we scale up renewables, waste heat recovery and battery storage across our operations, we are building an energy foundation for stable, long-term growth.”

UltraTech commissioned 430 MW of green energy capacity in FY26 and continues to expand its renewable energy and waste heat recovery portfolio.

The company is also progressively integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems across its operations to improve renewable energy utilisation and supply reliability.

In 2025, UltraTech operationalised what it described as India’s first on-site hybrid round-the-clock renewable energy project at Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The project combines solar, wind and battery storage.

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, UltraTech said it has not invested in new captive thermal power capacity for either greenfield projects or brownfield expansions at its integrated units for more than a decade.

The company said its expanding green energy portfolio is helping reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and fossil fuel-based power, while lowering exposure to fluctuations in coal and electricity prices.

UltraTech aims to increase green energy’s share in its total power mix to 85 per cent by 2030. As a member of RE100, it has also committed to meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirement through renewable sources by 2050.

UltraTech Cement, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has a total grey cement capacity of 210.1 MTPA and white cement and putty capacity of 3.5 MTPA. The company is also a signatory to the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050 and has committed to the GCCA Net Zero Concrete roadmap.