• UGI USER
  • Dec 06, 2023
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INDIA’S ABSENCE IN GLOBAL PLEDGE FOR GREEN ENERGY AT COP-28

The Pledge: This pledge aims to triple the worldwide installed renewable energy capacity to a minimum of 11,000 GW and increase the global energy efficiency enhancement rate to over 4% by 2030.

Global Commitment:

  • Pledge Signing: 118 countries, including the U.S. and Brazil, sign a commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • India’s Stand: India, with the third-largest installed renewable energy capacity, chooses not to sign the pledge.
  • China’s Omission: China, the world leader in renewable energy capacity, is conspicuously absent from the signatories.
  • Targets: Commitment to tripling global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency improvements to over 4% by 2030.
  • Initiator: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea, and it gained momentum during the New Delhi G-20 in September.

Indian Perspective:

  • NDC Commitment: India already pledged in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel electricity by 2030.
  • Installed Capacity: India, as of March 2023, reports close to 170 GW installed capacity, aligning with its NDC commitment.

Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Legal Sanctity: The pledge lacks legal binding and is not yet part of the formal COP-28 negotiating texts.
  • Overreaching Targets: Some experts argue that tripling renewable capacity may surpass India’s commitment, especially concerning large dams’ renewable status.
  • Disappointment Expressions: Various experts express disappointment at India’s non-participation, emphasizing the need for a global shift away from fossil fuels.

Reasons contributed to India’s decision:

  • Coal Focus: Given India’s 8% energy demand growth and its reliance on domestic funding for energy transition, fully abandoning coal is challenging.
  • Principled Position: India may be hesitant to join initiatives that could potentially impact or hinder its ongoing negotiations within the UN climate framework.
  • Practical Relevance: India’s focus might be on measures that ensure the affordability of renewables everywhere through de-risking, guarantees, or partnerships.

Note: The reasons for India’s non-participation remain undisclosed, and the pledge’s legal status is yet to be determined in COP-28 negotiations.