India May Increase Energy Efficiency Target for COP30
India’s Climate Commitments So Far
- Under the Paris Agreement, countries must update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years.
- India updated its NDCs in 2022, committing to:
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
- Source 50% of power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
- Create a carbon sink of 2 billion tonnes by 2030.
- Progress achieved:
- Emissions intensity reduced by 33% (2005–2019).
- As of June 2024, 50% of power capacity already from non-fossil fuels.
COP30 and Global Context
- COP30 will be hosted in Belém, Brazil (Nov 2025).
- Brazil, as the COP president, will assess why countries fell short of NDC goals.
- Even if current pledges are fully achieved, the planet is still on track for 3°C warming by 2100, exceeding the Paris targets of 1.5–2°C.
Developments in Other Countries
- European Union (EU): Long-term goal of net zero by 2050. Proposal for 90% emission cuts by 2040 compared to 1990. However, 2035 targets delayed due to France and Germany.
- Australia: Updated NDCs, aiming to cut 62–70% of 2005-level emissions by 2035.
- United States: Exited the Paris Agreement.
- China: Yet to announce updated NDCs.
India’s Likely Moves Ahead of COP30
- India is expected to raise its energy efficiency targets in its updated NDC submission at COP30.
- Exploring bilateral clean energy agreements with developed countries for carbon credit sharing (e.g., the Joint Crediting Mechanism with Japan).
- India Carbon Market to be operational by 2026, covering 13 major sectors with emission intensity targets.
Challenges and Constraints
- Developed nations have been reluctant to provide adequate climate finance.
- Developing countries, including India, argue that they still rely on fossil fuels for growth.
- Significant emission reductions may depend on joint investments and carbon credit mechanisms.
