At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s ambitious commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This commitment, along with the “Panchamrit” (five nectar elements), sets a transformative path for India’s climate action. For businesses, understanding this roadmap is crucial to align operations, capture opportunities, and contribute to national climate goals.
India’s Panchamrit: Five Key Commitments
India’s climate strategy is built on five interconnected pillars:
500 GW Non-Fossil Capacity
Reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030
50% Renewable Energy
Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030
1 Billion Tonne Reduction
Reduce projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030
45% Emissions Intensity
Achieve 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 (from 2005 levels)
Net-Zero by 2070
India commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability
Current Status: Progress So Far
India is making significant progress toward its 2030 targets:
Key Milestone Achieved
As of July 2025: India achieved 50% of its power generation from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching this crucial milestone five years ahead of schedule.
This achievement demonstrates India’s commitment and accelerating pace in renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind power.
50%
Non-Fossil Power
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)
To accelerate emissions reduction, India has launched the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, creating a market-based mechanism for businesses to:
- Trade carbon credits to meet compliance obligations
- Monetize emissions reductions beyond regulatory requirements
- Create financial incentives for low-carbon investments
- Drive innovation in clean technologies
For businesses, this opens new revenue opportunities while encouraging emissions reduction. Companies that invest early in decarbonization can generate tradable credits, creating a business case for climate action.
Understanding India’s Emissions: Sectoral Breakdown
To align your business strategy with national goals, it’s essential to understand where India’s emissions come from:
75.66%
Energy Sector — Power generation, transport, and industrial energy use dominate India’s emissions profile
13.72%
Agriculture — Agricultural practices, livestock, and rice cultivation contribute significantly
8.06%
Industrial Processes — Cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing produce process emissions
2.56%
Waste Management — Landfills, wastewater, and waste processing emit greenhouse gases
Business Roadmap: 2030 Focus Areas
The next five years are critical. Businesses should prioritize these key actions:
Cleaner Electricity
Transition to renewable energy procurement, install on-site solar, and optimize energy consumption
Plant Efficiency
Upgrade equipment, implement energy management systems, and reduce thermal inefficiencies
Freight Optimization
Improve logistics efficiency, transition to electric vehicles, and optimize supply chains
Looking Ahead: 2040 Transition Phase
The next phase (2030-2040) will require deeper transformations:
- Green Hydrogen Adoption: Transition high-temperature industrial processes to green hydrogen, replacing fossil fuel-based thermal energy
- Industrial Electrification: Electrify remaining industrial processes where technically feasible, powered by renewable electricity
- Advanced Materials: Adopt low-carbon materials and circular economy principles to reduce embodied emissions
- Supply Chain Transformation: Work with suppliers to decarbonize upstream emissions (Scope 3)
The Final Mile: Achieving Net-Zero by 2070
Reaching net-zero will require addressing the hardest-to-abate emissions:
Key Strategies for 2070
- Combustion Phase-Out: Complete elimination of fossil fuel combustion across all sectors where alternatives exist
- Carbon Capture Technologies: Deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) for unavoidable industrial emissions
- Nature-Based Solutions: Scale up forestation, soil carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration
- Carbon Removal: Invest in direct air capture and other carbon removal technologies to offset residual emissions
- Circular Economy: Achieve near-complete circularity in materials, minimizing extraction and waste
Action Steps for Businesses Today
Don’t wait for 2070—start your net-zero journey now:
Measure Your Baseline
Conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Set Science-Based Targets
Align your targets with national and global climate goals. Consider joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Develop a Roadmap
Create a phased decarbonization plan with clear milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2070 aligned with India’s national targets.
Implement Quick Wins
Start with energy efficiency measures that deliver immediate ROI while building momentum for larger transformations.
Report and Engage
Track progress transparently, report regularly to stakeholders, and participate in industry coalitions advancing climate solutions.
