Source: The post India meets key climate targets ahead of schedule has been created, based on the article “Tracking India’s climate goals’” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment
Context: India has announced the achievement of a major climate goal—over 50% of its installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil sources. This milestone, reached five years ahead of the 2030 deadline under the Paris Agreement, reflects India’s accelerating clean energy transition and broader climate commitments.
For detailed information on The Paris Agreement and Climate Challenges read this article here
Key Climate Commitments and Early Achievement
- Three Major 2030 Targets: India committed to (1) 50% non-fossil share in electricity capacity, (2) 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels, and (3) creation of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forest and tree cover.
- Ahead of Schedule: The non-fossil capacity target is already met. Preliminary data suggest India may have already achieved the carbon sink target, and is progressing well on emissions intensity.
- Revised Targets in Progress: India had achieved its original 2015 targets by 2022 and set more ambitious goals, which it is now also nearing.
Renewables Driving Installed Capacity Growth
1.Rapid Expansion of Solar and Wind: In 2024, India added nearly 30 GW of renewable energy capacity, with solar contributing 24 GW—the highest ever in a single year.
- Nuclear Contribution in Focus: India plans to double nuclear capacity to about 17 GW by 2030 with 10 reactors under construction. However, Small Modular Reactors are unlikely to be ready before 2030.
- Long-Term Vision of 500 GW: India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030,
with renewables continuing to dominate future additions.
Gap Between Installed Capacity and Actual Generation
- Intermittency of Renewables: While 50% of installed capacity is from non-fossil sources, only 28% of actual electricity generation came from them in May, due to the intermittent nature of renewables.
- Limited Role of Electricity in Energy Use: Electricity forms just 22% of India’s total energy consumption. Thus, non-fossil electricity accounts for only about 6% of total energy usage—on par with global averages.
- Broader Fossil Fuel Dependency: The remaining 78% of India’s energy use still depends on direct fossil fuel combustion, such as oil, gas, and coal.
Progress on Forestry-Based Carbon Sink
- Annual Growth in Carbon Stock: Between 2017 and 2021, India’s carbon stock increased by around 150 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.
- Likely Fulfillment of Forestry Target: By 2021, 2.29 billion tonnes of additional sink had been added. With continued trends, the final figure may surpass the lower end of the 2.5–3 billion tonnes goal before 2023.
- Awaited Official Confirmation: The upcoming India State of Forest Report will provide updated figures up to 2023, likely confirming achievement of the forestry target ahead of schedule.
Tracking Emissions Intensity Reduction
- Current Progress: By 2020, India had already reduced its emissions intensity by 36% from 2005 levels.
- Future Trajectory: Although post-2020 data are unavailable, India appears on track to meet the 45% reduction target by 2030 without difficulty.
- Comparative Global Context: Many developed countries have missed even modest targets. In contrast, India is not only meeting but potentially exceeding its commitments.
India’s Stand on Global Climate Cooperation
- Need for International Support: India asserts that greater progress is possible with access to international finance and technology, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
- Unequal Global Performance: Developed nations have underperformed on emission reductions and climate finance, whereas India has delivered more than promised.
Question for practice:
Examine the progress made by India in achieving its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the challenges that remain.
