In November 2021, at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, India made a bold pledge that resonated across the globe: achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this commitment marked a defining moment in India’s climate policy, signaling its determination to balance rapid economic growth with environmental stewardship.
As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, yet with per capita emissions far below the global average, India’s journey toward net zero is both ambitious and complex. This article dives deep into India’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2070, exploring the strategies, challenges, opportunities, and transformative potential of this mission. Join us as we unpack how India aims to reshape its future while inspiring global climate action.
What Does Net Zero Emissions by 2070 Mean for India?
Net zero emissions refer to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. For India, this means that by 2070, the country aims to offset all its carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions through a combination of reduction strategies and carbon sinks like forests or advanced technologies.
Unlike developed nations targeting net zero by 2050, India’s 2070 timeline reflects its unique position as a developing economy with 1.4 billion people, growing energy demands, and a historical contribution of only 4% to global emissions.
This pledge is more than a policy goal—it’s a national mission that intertwines economic growth, energy security, and climate resilience. As Dr. Anjal Prakash, Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, aptly stated, “India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 is not just about reducing emissions but about reimagining development for a sustainable future.”
Why 2070? The Logic Behind India’s Timeline
India’s 2070 target is strategically designed to align with its developmental priorities. Unlike developed nations that industrialized using cheap fossil fuels, India faces the dual challenge of expanding energy access while decarbonizing. The 2070 timeline provides:
- Time for Infrastructure Development: Building renewable energy capacity and modernizing the grid.
- Economic Flexibility: Allowing industries to grow while transitioning to cleaner technologies.
- Technological Innovation: Space to develop and scale solutions like carbon capture and green hydrogen.
This timeline also acknowledges the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), emphasizing that developed nations, with higher historical emissions, must act faster and provide climate finance and technology to countries like India.
Key Strategies Driving India’s Net Zero Ambition
India’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2070 is built on a multifaceted strategy, often referred to as the Panchamrit (five elixirs) framework, announced at COP26. These strategies span energy, transportation, industry, agriculture, and societal transformation. Let’s explore the core pillars:
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
India’s energy sector, responsible for ~40% of its greenhouse gas emissions, is at the heart of its net zero plan. Coal currently dominates, contributing 70% of electricity generation, but India is rapidly scaling up renewables. The country aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar, wind, hydro, and biomass leading the charge.
- Solar Power Surge: India’s solar capacity has grown 3450% from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100.33 GW in 2025. Projects like the Bhadla Solar Park showcase this momentum.
- Wind and Hydro: Offshore wind projects and small hydropower plants are being prioritized to ensure grid stability.
- Green Energy Corridor: Investments in transmission infrastructure to integrate renewables into the national grid.
By 2030, India aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables, reducing reliance on coal and gas.
2. Electrification of Transportation
Transportation accounts for a significant share of emissions, and India is pushing for a massive shift to electric vehicles (EVs). The PM E-DRIVE Scheme promotes EV adoption through subsidies, while initiatives like battery swapping and public charging networks aim to make EVs accessible.
- EV Penetration: By 2050, EVs are projected to account for 84% of car sales and 79% of trucks, with hydrogen fuel cells powering the rest.
- Public Transport: Electric buses and metro expansions in cities like Delhi and Bangalore are reducing urban emissions.
- Example: The rise of EV two-wheelers, supported by companies like Ola Electric, demonstrates India’s commitment to clean mobility.
3. Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Energy efficiency is a low-hanging fruit in India’s net zero journey. The government is promoting:
- Green Buildings: Standards for energy-efficient construction and retrofitting.
- Appliances: Widespread adoption of LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances through programs like Ujjwala Yojana.
- Industrial Audits: Encouraging industries to optimize energy use, particularly in high-emission sectors like cement and steel.
4. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are critical for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel. While still in the pilot phase, India is investing in research to make CCS cost-effective and scalable. However, challenges like high energy intensity and costs remain.
5. Reforestation and Sustainable Agriculture
Forests and agriculture are natural carbon sinks. India is expanding its forest cover through initiatives like Nagar Van Yojana, which aims to create 1000 urban forests. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, are also being promoted to enhance soil carbon storage.
6. Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission positions India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, targeting 5 million tons annually by 2030. This clean fuel will decarbonize industries like steel and cement, which are difficult to electrify.
7. Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
Launched in 2022, Mission LiFE encourages sustainable lifestyles to reduce carbon footprints. It promotes mindful consumption, recycling, and climate literacy, fostering a cultural shift toward sustainability.
| Strategy | Target by 2030 | Long-Term Impact (2070) |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | 500 GW non-fossil capacity | Replace coal as primary energy source |
| Electric Vehicles | 30% EV penetration | 84% of cars, 79% of trucks electric |
| Green Hydrogen | 5 million tons annually | Decarbonize heavy industries |
| Forest Cover | Expand urban forests | Natural carbon sinks for CO2 absorption |
| Energy Efficiency | Reduce emissions intensity by 45% | Lower industrial and household emissions |
Challenges on the Path to Net Zero
India’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2070 is not without hurdles. Addressing these challenges requires innovation, collaboration, and sustained commitment.
1. Coal Dependency
Coal remains the backbone of India’s energy system, contributing 70% of electricity. Phasing it out without disrupting energy security or impacting 4.5 million coal workers is a delicate balance. A just transition, with reskilling programs, is essential.
2. Financial Requirements
The transition to net zero is estimated to require $10.1 trillion by 2070. Current green finance flows of $20 billion annually fall short of the $170 billion needed by 2030. Sovereign green bonds, public-private partnerships, and international climate finance are critical to bridge this gap.
3. Infrastructure Gaps
The slow rollout of EV charging stations and grid modernization pose barriers to scaling renewables and EVs.
4. Technological Barriers
Technologies like CCUS and advanced energy storage are still nascent, requiring significant R&D investment and international collaboration.
5. Behavioral Change
Shifting consumer behavior toward sustainable practices is a challenge in a country with diverse socio-economic realities. Public awareness campaigns and education are vital to drive adoption.
Opportunities and Global Impact
India’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2070 offers immense opportunities:
- Job Creation: Green sectors like solar, EVs, and hydrogen are expected to create millions of jobs.
- Energy Security: Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels enhances national resilience.
- Public Health: Cleaner air from reduced pollution will lower healthcare costs.
- Global Leadership: As a developing nation, India’s success can inspire other countries in the Global South.
India’s contribution to global emissions is ~7%, but its actions could prevent climate-related disasters and support the 1.5°C global temperature target. By demonstrating that economic growth and sustainability can coexist, India is poised to redefine climate action.
Government Policies and International Collaboration
India’s government has launched several initiatives to support its net zero goal:
- PM-KUSUM: Solarizing agricultural pumps to reduce emissions.
- National Hydrogen Mission: Scaling green hydrogen production.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promoting global solar adoption.
International collaboration is crucial, with developed nations expected to provide climate finance and technology transfers. India’s LT-LEDS (Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies), submitted to the UNFCCC in 2022, outlines these priorities.
A Call to Action: The Road to 2070 Starts Today
India’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2070 is a testament to its ambition to lead in the global fight against climate change. From scaling renewables to fostering sustainable lifestyles, the journey requires collective action from government, industry, and citizens. As Prime Minister Modi emphasized, “The future of our planet depends on what we do today.”
The path is steep, but the rewards—cleaner air, energy independence, and global leadership—are profound. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and resilience, India can not only achieve net zero by 2070 but also set a global benchmark for sustainable development. Let’s act now to shape a greener, brighter future.
