India 60% Clean Power by 2035 Target

India Targets 60% Clean Power Capacity by 2035

Why in the News ?

India has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for 60% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2035, alongside stronger emission reduction and carbon sink targets, signalling enhanced climate ambition and global leadership. This transition requires streamlined environmental clearances and strict compliance with EIA notification procedures to ensure a pollution free environment.

India 60% Clean Power by 2035 Target

Updated Climate Targets and Commitments:

  • India aims for 60% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035, requiring expedited environmental clearances for renewable energy projects while maintaining rigorous standards.
  • It plans to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 levels, implementing the polluter pays principle across industrial sectors to achieve a pollution free environment.
  • The country targets a carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, necessitating strict enforcement of the Forest Conservation Act and enhanced afforestation programs.
  • These goals form part of India’s updated NDCs submitted to UNFCCC under the Paris Agreement, incorporating lessons from post facto analysis of previous climate commitments.
  • The targets align with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, though challenges remain in balancing development with environmental impact assessment requirements and the precautionary principle.

Progress and Current Status

  • India has already achieved about 52% installed capacity from non-fossil sources, exceeding its 2030 target of 50% ahead of time, though some projects received retrospective environmental clearances that raised concerns about regulatory compliance.
  • However, only about 25% of actual electricity generation currently comes from clean sources, emphasizing the need for continued adherence to EIA notification standards and environmental clearance protocols.
  • Non-fossil sources include solar, wind, hydropower, nuclear, and biomass energy, with offshore wind projects requiring compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone norms to protect marine ecosystems.
  • India reduced its emissions intensity by 36% (2005–2020), showing steady progress through implementation of the polluter pays principle and strengthened environmental democracy in policy formulation.
  • A carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes has been created, though forest cover (24.6%) remains below the 33% policy target, requiring stricter enforcement of the Forest Conservation Act and prevention of ex post facto approvals for forest diversion.

NDCs & Climate Framework :

●  NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are voluntary climate action plans under the UNFCCC, requiring comprehensive environmental impact assessment and adherence to EIA notification procedures for implementation.

●  The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, incorporating the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle as foundational elements of environmental jurisprudence.

●  The principle of CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities) ensures equity between developed and developing nations, promoting environmental democracy and preventing the need for ex-post regulatory corrections.

●  The Global Stocktake (GST) assesses collective progress every five years; latest findings show the world is off-track, highlighting gaps in environmental clearances and the prevalence of retrospective environmental clearances that undermine climate goals.

●  India positions itself as a leader of the Global South, balancing development needs, energy security, and climate action while ensuring a pollution free environment through robust environmental jurisprudence and compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone regulations where applicable.