By Ranjit Kulkarni
The United Nations reports that global temperatures have already increased by about 1.1°C since the late 1800s. This is largely driven by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, inefficient planning and utilization of resources which have greatly increased greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record and this isn’t a new trend. No previous decade since 1850 has been hotter than any of the most recent four decades.
Human-caused global warming is presently increasing at a rate of 0.2°C per decade according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Some of the effects are extreme dryness, lack of water, fierce fires, increasing sea levels, inundation, disappearing polar ice, devastating storms, and reduced biodiversity.
India is committed to its mission to Net Zero and will achieve this goal through its Long-Term Low Carbon Emissions Development Strategy. Harnessing new technologies will be instrumental in reaching this milestone. India has unveiled multi-sectoral decarbonization efforts that utilize both mitigation and carbon capture strategies while being mindful of its energy security, carbon equity, and aspirational socio-economic transformation.
Energy Efficiency: Microgrids and Net Zero Economic Zones
One of the actions for India’s path to net zero is to encourage the formation of special net-zero economic zones in areas well-suited for renewable energy generation by implementing microgrids. This approach will foster inclusive growth and build low-carbon, world-class infrastructure at local levels, enabling the production of sustainable, net-zero products for export markets. This initiative positions India to actively participate in the high-value, emerging global sustainability supply chains.
Microgrids enhance energy efficiency, improve grid reliability, and facilitate the local use of renewable sources, thereby decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. It improves access to sustainable energy in affordable terms. Net Economic Zones, focused on net zero initiatives, serve as hubs for green technology and innovation, benefiting from regulatory incentives that spur the development and export of sustainable products. Together, these systems not only support localized energy solutions but also drive the nationwide shift towards a low-carbon economy by quickly replicating successful models of sustainability.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
AI and machine learning are crucial tools that will help net zero journey. AI improves the prediction of climate change trends by measuring and analyzing carbon emissions from different sources, such as deforestation, industry, and transportation. AI also helps evaluate the possible impacts of climate change on various sectors. These analyses help monitor emissions, understand their patterns, and develop the solutions. This information is critical in creating strategies and policies to tackle climate issues. AI has sped up technology development, testing and deployment while cutting down investment risks and costs.
Capturing Carbon for Tomorrow
India is also taking steps towards net zero by using reliable and proven carbon capture technologies to reduce emissions from refineries and other sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement and power. Carbon capture technologies enable industries to use sustainable methods of carbon removal that stop CO2 from reaching the atmosphere. This supports India’s objectives of a fair and systematic energy transition.
Honeywell’s clean H2 solutions are helping companies achieve stringent emission goals and access the growing hydrogen economy quickly.
As industries join the green revolution, it is advisable to introduce policies and incentives that mandate the blending of green hydrogen into refinery and fertilizer production processes by 2030. This can help generate demand for green hydrogen and facilitate the transition to a green hydrogen economy in India.
Overall, India can implement policies for decarbonizing different sectors to lower emissions at scale. Chemical, cement, power, iron and steel, aluminum, transportation, aviation, and other carbon-intensive industries have a high potential to cut their emissions by adopting green technologies, and policies can help speed up that process.
Greening Transportation: From Sustainable Aviation to Electric Vehicles
India is working on its vision to be energy independent by 2047. This requires a holistic approach on all modes of transport as each one will transition to cleaner energy at a different pace. A recent report shows transportation as the fastest-growing source of CO2 emissions in the country. Work is already being done to reverse this trend and promote the transition to electric vehicles. In 2015 India introduced the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and EV (FAME) II scheme, creating incentives for EV production and purchase. While once considered a niche product, EVs are becoming more common, with sales quadrupling in India from 2021 to 2022.
India’s biofuels policy is another driver for investments in a low carbon economy which addresses energy security, while encouraging local business and farmers to be part of this ecosystem. In addition to biofuels blending targets for road transportation, The government recently set new biofuel targets for the aviation sector. The country wants to achieve a 2% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in jet fuel by 2028 for all international flights to help reduce the impact of climate change. Honeywell has been leading the SAF technology space with its extensive portfolio of solutions. More than 50 refineries globally have selected its technology to produce SAF. leveraging locally available bio-based feedstocks such as used oils, fats, greases, bio masses, Municipal solid waste, and CO2 sources to make sustainable fuel.
Building Tomorrow: Sustainable Urbanisation and Green Architecture
In the urbanization and building efficiency sector, it is suggested to convert the ‘Smart Cities’ program to a ‘Sustainable Cities’ program. This shift would increase the program’s reach and allow for smaller, tier 2/3 cities to be included through a hub and spoke model. Enhancing green and sustainable building standards in these cities is also recommended. These buildings would be required to use sustainable construction materials, energy-efficient lighting systems, integrate renewable energy on site, understand their usage patterns and install efficient HVAC systems, leading to lower energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Solutions like Honeywell Forge Sustainability + for Buildings go beyond identifying outliers and opportunities within a building portfolio and enable users to take the actions needed to correct or stay on course. The solution’s advanced control capabilities enable customers to adjust building systems – either manually or autonomously – to manage energy use, manage costs and improve resilience. Adopting green building strategies represents a holistic approach that can leverage technology and provide benefits for the environment, occupants, and economy at large.
India is at the cusp of building world-class civic, industrial, digital and logistics infrastructure with a green mindset. Adoption of the latest technologies are pivotal in reducing carbon emissions in the country, but the initial cost and uncertain return on investment can often be a barrier for those looking to implement these new strategies. Governments can facilitate the energy transition by formulating supportive policies, allocating resources for research and development, and offering financial incentives.
A comprehensive and multifaceted approach, driven by increased awareness and collaborative efforts from governments, businesses, and communities, will all contribute to India’s path to net zero. This collective effort is essential for expediting the energy transition and leveraging new technology to create a sustainable future.
The author is Vice President & General Manager, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, Honeywell India.
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