According to a report by ANI citing Union Minister RK Singh, approximately 44% of the nation’s energy needs currently stem from non-fossil fuels and are anticipated to rise to 65% by 2030. This projection exceeds India’s commitment made at the COP 21 Summit in 2021.
The pledge at COP26 in Glasgow aimed to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity, as reported by ANI. Furthermore, India has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
During the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 organized by the Energy and Resources Institute, the minister stated, “At COP26, we pledged that by 2030, 50% of our capacity will be from non-fossil fuels (renewable). It is anticipated to reach 60-65%.”
He also highlighted India’s unique initiative of issuing bids for round-the-clock renewable energy and emphasised the importance of adding storage to reduce its cost.
Regarding carbon emissions, the minister stressed that developing countries require carbon space as they strive to become developed nations. He pointed out that per capita emissions in developed countries are approximately four times the global average, emphasising the need for developed nations to vacate carbon space for developing countries’ development efforts, as per ANI’s report.