Cutting co2 emissions in India’s transport sector by 71% by 2050: stratagies and impacts

Syllabus:

GS-3: Environmental Pollution & DegradationIndustrial PolicyIndustrial GrowthInfrastructure

GS-2: Government Policies & InterventionsIssues Relating to Development

Focus:

A new study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India reveals that India’s transport sector could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 71% by 2050 if high-ambition strategies, including electrification, improved fuel efficiency, and a shift to cleaner transport modes, are implemented, crucial for achieving India’s net-zero target by 2070.

Overview of the Study

  • The study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India focuses on reducing CO2 emissions in India’s transport sector.
  • The transport sector is a significant contributor to India’s CO2 emissions, accounting for 14% of the country’s total energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020, with road transport making up 90% of these emissions.
  • The study highlights three key strategies to reduce emissions: electrification, improving fuel economy standards, and shifting to cleaner modes of transport.
  • By 2050, adopting high-ambition strategies across these three parameters can cut CO2 emissions by 71%, compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.

Global Commitments for  Decarbonization:

  • Zero-Emission Cars: By 2035-2040, signatories from industrialised and emerging economies aim for 100% zero-emission cars and vans.
  • Net-Zero Pledges in Transport: COP26 saw numerous net-zero pledges related to transportation, including the declaration for 100% zero-emission cars and vans.
  • Transport in NDCs: 41% of second-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include transport-related targets for both GHG and non-GHG objectives.
  • Notable G20 Actions:
    • Japan targets a 46% reduction in GHG emissions from transport by 2030 (compared to 2013).
    • The EU has established emission reduction targets for road transport.
    • Canada mandates 100% zero-emission vehicles.
    • China targets 40% of new vehicles powered by clean energy by 2030.
  • Renewable Energy and Solar Capacity: Achieving net-zero by 2070 requires 5,630 GW of solar capacity and a 99% reduction in coal use between 2040-2060.
  • Nuclear Energy: India plans to increase nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031 from 6,780 MW in 2022.
  • Green Hydrogen: India aims to become energy-independent by 2047, with green hydrogen meeting 19% of industrial demand by 2070 and plans to become a hydrogen exporter.
  • Energy Storage: India targets 4,000 MWh of battery storage and aims for 27,000 MW/108,000 MWh by 2030 to support renewable energy grid integration.

Transport Emissions Breakdown:

  • In 2020, different types of road transport contributed to the sector’s CO2 emissions:
    • Two-wheelers: 16% of emissions.
    • Cars: 25% of emissions.
    • Buses: 9% of emissions.
    • Freight light-duty vehicles: 8% of emissions.
    • Freight heavy-duty vehicles: 45% of emissions (the largest contributor).
  • Other transport modes such as railways, aviation, and waterways contributed 6%, 3%, and 1%, respectively.

High Ambition Strategies for Emission Reduction:

  • Electrification: Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is identified as one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions. It includes both passenger and freight transport.
  • Fuel Economy Improvements: Improving vehicle fuel efficiency standards, especially in heavy-duty vehicles, can have a major impact on CO2 reductions.
  • Modal Shift: Encouraging a shift to cleaner modes of transport such as public transport, railways, and waterways can help reduce emissions further.
  • Implementing these strategies simultaneously at their highest potential can achieve a 71% reduction in emissions by 2050.

Complementary Policies: Carbon-Free Electricity

  • Alongside transport-specific strategies, decarbonizing the power sector is crucial.
  • A complementary policy suggested by the study is implementing a carbon-free electricity standard, where 75% of power is sourced from renewables.
  • This would help maximise the emission reductions from electrifying the transport sector, leading to a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 compared to BAU.

Business-as-Usual (BAU) Scenario

  • If no additional policies are implemented and the current trends continue (BAU), India’s transport sector will remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels until
  • In this scenario, the CO2 emissions reduction would be minimal, and the country would fail to meet its long-term climate goals.

Impact on India’s Net-Zero Target

  • The study emphasises that decarbonizing the transport sector is essential for India to achieve its broader net-zero emissions target by 2070.
  • By implementing the recommended high-ambition strategies, India can not only reduce emissions significantly but also lower its reliance on fossil fuels in the long term.

Challenges:

  • High Cost of Electrification: Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) requires substantial investments in infrastructure, such as charging stations, battery technology, and upgrading the power grid.
  • Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Despite advancements, India’s transport sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly in freight and heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Inadequate Public Transport: Many cities lack robust public transportation systems, making the shift to cleaner modes of transport like railways and buses difficult.
  • Policy Implementation Gaps: Existing policies on fuel efficiency and emission reduction often lack enforcement and clear timelines, delaying decarbonization efforts.
  • Technological Barriers: Advanced EV technology, especially for heavy-duty transport, is still under development and may not be available on a large scale for years.
  • Consumer Resistance: High costs and limited options for electric and fuel-efficient vehicles may deter consumers from adopting greener technologies.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: The shift to renewable energy sources for electricity generation is slow, limiting the full potential of EVs to reduce emissions.

Way Forward:

  • Policy Strengthening: Implement clear, enforceable policies with ambitious but achievable targets for electrification, fuel efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
  • Investment in Infrastructure: Accelerate investments in EV infrastructure, including charging networks and smart grids.
  • Public Transport Improvement: Expand and upgrade public transport systems to encourage a shift away from personal vehicles.
  • Incentivize Green Technology: Provide subsidies, tax incentives, and financial support to manufacturers and consumers for adopting EVs and cleaner technologies.
  • Strengthen R&D: Invest in research and development of EV technology, especially for heavy-duty vehicles and batteries.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers on the long-term benefits of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to increase acceptance.
  • Decarbonize Power Sector: Fast-track renewable energy projects to ensure the power grid can support large-scale electrification of transport.

Conclusion:

Decarbonizing India’s transport sector is crucial for achieving its 2070 net-zero goal. While challenges like high costs, reliance on fossil fuels, and policy gaps exist, a concerted effort through strong policies, infrastructure development, and technological advancement can significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050.

Source: Hindustan Times

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing India’s transport sector. What strategies can be adopted to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and achieve the country’s net-zero target by 2070?