CO2 Emissions from Transport Sector could be Slashed up to 71% by 2050: Study

CO2 Emissions from Transport Sector could be Slashed up to 71% by 2050: Study

India’s transport sector plays a critical role in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy system. According to a recent study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, the sector could potentially cut its carbon dioxide emissions by up to 71% by 2050 through a combination of high-ambition strategies. These include advancing electrification, improving fuel economy standards, and transitioning to cleaner modes of transport and mobility.

Key Findings of the WRI Report:

1. Current Emissions and Need for Targets:
   • In 2020, India's transport sector contributed 14% of the country's total energy-related CO2 emissions.
   • The report emphasizes the need to establish clear emission reduction targets and a roadmap for the sector to meet India's broader climate goals.
2. Impact on Net-Zero Goals:
   • Reducing emissions in the transport sector is vital for India to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070. High emissions reductions from this sector could play a key role in reaching this ambitious target.
3. Cost-Effectiveness of Decarbonisation:
   • The transition to low-carbon transport is considered a highly cost-effective strategy, with an estimated saving of Rs. 12,118 per tonne of CO2 equivalent abated.
4. Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandates:
   • The expansion of EV sales could significantly cut CO2 emissions, with the potential to reduce emissions by 121 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Pairing this with the decarbonisation of electricity generation could enhance the results.
5. Additional Policy Benefits:
   • The report suggests that a carbon-free electricity standard, with 75% renewable energy, could lead to a 75% reduction in emissions from the transport sector by 2050.
6. Future Fossil Fuel Dependency:
   • Without substantial intervention, fossil fuel consumption in India’s transport sector is projected to quadruple by 2050. The demand for both passenger and freight travel will drive this increase.
7. Current Emission Sources:
   • Road transport accounts for 90% of emissions within the sector, while railways, aviation, and waterways contribute much smaller fractions.

Major Challenges in Achieving Transport Decarbonisation:

1. High Dependence on Fossil Fuels:
   • The transport sector's reliance on fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel presents a significant challenge in transitioning to cleaner alternatives. Additionally, existing fossil fuel infrastructure is deeply embedded, making it difficult to overhaul.
2. Business as Usual (BAU) Scenario:
   • Under the BAU scenario, fossil fuel consumption in India is expected to increase fourfold by 2050 due to rising demands in passenger and freight transport.
3. Lack of Clean Energy Infrastructure:
   • There is inadequate infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, hydrogen refueling, and biofuels, which slows down the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.
4. Energy Grid Constraints:
   • Transport decarbonisation is linked to the decarbonisation of the power grid. Many regions still depend on fossil fuels for electricity generation, which limits the benefits of electrification unless the energy grid also transitions to renewable sources.
5. Slow Policy Implementation:
   • The pace of policy formulation and enforcement has been slow, with regulatory frameworks on emissions standards and alternative fuels often being insufficient or lacking.
6. Consumer Behavior and Market Acceptance:
   • Public reluctance to switch to alternative transportation options, along with cost concerns and unfamiliarity with new technologies, remains a barrier.
7. Technological and Supply Chain Barriers:
   • Advancing battery technologies, hydrogen production, and sustainable biofuel development are essential but face technological and supply chain challenges.
8. Financing and Investment Constraints:
   • Large-scale decarbonisation of the transport sector requires significant capital investment, but developing nations like India face financial limitations and competing priorities.
9. International Coordination:
   • Effective decarbonisation will require coordination across countries, but differing regulations and commitment levels can create obstacles to global collaboration.

India's Initiatives for Energy Transition:

1. National Solar Mission:
   • Aims to achieve 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030, promoting large-scale solar installations and rooftop solar projects.
2. National Hydrogen Mission (NHM):
   • Launched in 2021, the NHM focuses on making India a global leader in the production and export of green hydrogen.
3. National Biofuel Policy:
   • This policy promotes biofuel blending, aiming for 20% ethanol blending by 2025 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
4. FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles):
   • The FAME-II initiative incentivizes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, including subsidies for EVs and EV infrastructure.

Way Forward for India:

1. Enhancing Renewable Energy Deployment:
   • India can accelerate solar and wind energy projects to meet and exceed 2030 renewable energy targets. Offshore wind potential can be explored to diversify the renewable energy mix.
2. Strengthening Energy Storage Infrastructure:
   • Developing large-scale battery storage solutions is essential for integrating renewable energy into the grid and ensuring stability.
3. Advancing Grid Integration:
   • Deploying smart grid technologies can improve energy efficiency and facilitate better integration of renewable sources.
4. Fostering Clean Technology Innovation:
   • Investing in R&D for clean technologies like green hydrogen, advanced energy storage, and sustainable biofuels can position India as a leader in the energy transition.
5. Improving Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:
   • Clear, stable, and streamlined policies and regulations are essential for attracting investment and accelerating the energy transition process.

Key Takeaways
By implementing these measures, India can significantly reduce emissions from its transport sector, contributing to its broader climate goals and setting an example for other nations. The transition to clean energy in the transport sector is not only crucial for meeting India's sustainability objectives but can also stimulate economic growth and innovation.

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