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Written by 7:44 am Manufacturing Trends

Transforming India’s energy landscape: A sustainable future

With strong commitment from the government and substantial advancements in the renewable energy sector, India is well on its way to transforming its energy landscape. However, the challenge remains significant. India’s energy consumption is projected to increase by 8% in 2024 and shall continue to grow as the economy grows, putting pressure on its energy infrastructure. Additionally, the country currently emits around 2.8 gigatons of CO2 annually, with 60-65% of those emissions coming from hard-to-abate sectors like power, steel, refining, and petroleum.

To achieve its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, India must focus on reducing emissions in these high-impact industries. The path ahead requires innovative technological solutions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

The recent ‘India Energy Transition Summit’, presented by Honeywell and CNBC-TV18, brought together technology providers, industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to chart out India’s green energy transition journey. The summit highlighted the critical role of technology in forging a sustainable energy future. To watch this insightful session, click here.

Dr Gavin P. Towler, Chief Sustainability Officer at Honeywell, emphasized that sustainability must ensure future generations can thrive. He noted that sustainable technologies not only meet current energy demands but also enhance safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Triple Sustainable Biofuel Production

Currently, over 80% of India’s energy comes from fossil fuels, creating an unsustainable reliance on carbon-emitting resources. As India is projected to contribute to 25% of global energy demand growth over the next two decades, its rich biomass resources—sourced from agricultural waste, forestry byproducts, and urban refuse—offer a promising alternative.

With an annual biomass production of approximately 500 million tonnes , only a fraction is converted into biofuels. To address this, the government aims to triple sustainable biofuel production by 2030. The pivotal question remains: can India leverage its extensive feedstock capacity to generate green fuel? Technologies such as biomass gasification and biogas generation can help diversify India’s energy portfolio and contribute to a sustainable future.

Increase Renewable Energy Storage Capacity by Six-Fold

Advancements in battery technology are crucial for overcoming challenges like high costs and infrastructure limitations. India’s renewable energy storage capacity, currently under 1 GW, is projected to grow to 6 GW by 2028, according to Crisil Ratings. However, to meet net-zero targets by 2050, further expansion is essential. Companies like Honeywell are leading this initiative, launching Microgrid Battery Energy Storage Solutions to bolster nationwide storage capabilities.

Produce 5MMT of Green Hydrogen Annually

According to Science Direct, Green hydrogen is fast emerging as a pivotal solution in the global shift towards cleaner energy. Producing green hydrogen is energy-intensive, requiring around 39 kWh of electricity per kilogram, with operational inefficiencies raising this to approximately 48 kWh . India, with a current renewable energy capacity of 125 GW and a goal to expand to 500 GW, faces significant infrastructure challenges in enhancing transmission capacity.

A major obstacle is the limited global manufacturing capacity for electrolyzers, essential for green hydrogen production. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global electrolyzer production capacity is only 8 GW per year. To meet its 2030 target, India must increase this capacity to between 60 and 100 GW.

With the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to produce 5 million tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2050. However, achieving this ambition involves addressing challenges related to handling, transportation, safety protocols, and infrastructure development. Companies like Honeywell are leveraging advanced technologies to facilitate efficient transport of green hydrogen to global markets such as Australia, Japan, and Europe.

Sustainable Innovation in Aviation

As India’s aviation sector expands, the focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) intensifies. With over 1,500 new aircraft expected to join the fleet, the potential for SAF to reduce carbon emissions is significant. Honeywell is pioneering sustainable solutions for aviation, aiming to lessen the industry’s carbon impact. Dr Towler remarked, “While aviation contributes only about 3% to the global carbon footprint, it remains a visible part. We are developing technologies to enhance sustainability, starting with SAF derived from multiple pathways ranging from used cooking oils, waste fats, waste greases biomass, captured carbon, green hydrogen and municipal solid waste, each of which will leverage the locally available resources.

Conclusion

India’s energy transition is a shared responsibility that calls for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. The challenge projects a fantastic opportunity to create employment opportunities in new energies, engage the farmer, strengthen the agricultural sector allowing rural economies to be part of the circular economy. This holistic approach is instrumental for investing in renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and embracing innovative technologies. As the nation advances towards sustainable energy, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships will be key to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Note: This is a partnered post.

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