A tall order

India is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This is a challenging task, though the country's current annual per capita emissions are only one-third of the global average. This is because energy consumption is increasing at a rapid pace, triggered by economic growth and the government's commitment to meeting the aspirations of the public. This can lead to a rise in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Energy usage varies across different sectors. Various organisations have been working towards sector-specific roadmaps. Are we following a holistic approach in these studies? And how well are the different sector blueprints coordinated? An introspection of the approach we are following would be desirable at this juncture.

Let us take the example of the power sector, which is the highest emitter of carbon dioxide. A key component of the country's strategy for achieving net-zero emissions has been the use of renewable energy (RE) in all productive activities while cutting down on the use of fossil fuels. The roadmaps have also tried to work out the type and quantum of energy storage systems like batteries and pumped storage hydropower plants required to manage the variability and intermittency of RE sources like the sun and wind. Of late, the road maps have been looking at the use of green hydrogen derived from renewable sources. Expanding nuclear power generation—utilising the country's rich thorium reserves—is yet another supply-side option being considered as a source, which can provide reliable baseload power and help the integration of RE into the grid. It is, however, noted that the main objective of most studies has been to maximise the use of RE while achieving a demand-supply balance at a minimal cost. A successful energy transition necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing supply-side measures, demand-side management, grid modernisation, energy security and a just transition for the affected communities. The transition must extend beyond the power sector to include decarbonisation of the heating, cooling and transportation sectors. There is an urgent need to develop a framework for such integrated studies. It is necessary to lay greater emphasis on demand-side factors in the ongoing studies, particularly when considering longer time frames, such as 2050 and 2070. These factors play a crucial role in the energy transition. As we are aware, grid-level demand growth and patterns are dynamic, particularly in the context of aggressive demand-side management measures, the growth of distributed energy resources, electric vehicle usage in G2V and V2G modes, fuel substitution in end-use sectors, and other initiatives that impact energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Exploiting demand-side flexibility through tariff-linked regulatory measures and demand response programmes would also need to be evaluated as options for minimising the transition costs. A scenario-based approach considering different feasible demand-side options could be a solution in this regard. Furthermore, the requirement for grid infrastructure is a critical aspect that could significantly influence energy transition action plans. It would impact both the overall system cost and supply reliability, necessitating a detailed power system stability analysis. A pragmatic study is also required on the constraints of Right of Way issues in building the infrastructure, as this could impact the transition target dates.

Yet another key objective of any action plan would be to look at how the transition would influence the lives of the people. It is widely recognised that a people-centric approach is crucial for the smooth implementation of net-zero pathways. Therefore, road maps for net-zero emissions should strive to incorporate findings from ongoing studies on 'just transition'.

'Net zero' means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases released with the same amount stored or offset so that the temperature has no effect at all. This underscores the need to consider carbon capture and storage technologies, planting trees, restoring forests, and other biological options that can absorb the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as part of the overall strategy to control temperature changes.

It is also debatable whether we are taking a narrow view by focusing primarily on the power sector, while the majority of energy use occurs in industrial heating and cooling processes. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, "heating and cooling consume approximately half of the world's final energy, making it the largest energy end-use sector, surpassing both electricity (20 per cent) and transport (30 per cent). This sector is also responsible for over 40 per cent of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions." Net-zero reports must adopt a holistic approach, considering the decarbonisation opportunities within the heating and cooling demands of each sector.

Views expressed are personal