India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 receives a significant push from the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the National Hydrogen Mission. Eminent scientists and leaders, speaking at an event organized by the Technology Development Board (TDB), shed light on the pivotal role of sustainable initiatives in shaping India’s future.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government, emphasized the importance of EV promotion through initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME).
These efforts aim to curb greenhouse gas emissions and propel India towards its net-zero target. Additionally, the EV Mission, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Science, Technology Innovation and Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), focuses on establishing supportive frameworks for widespread EV adoption.
Substantial investments in green hydrogen production are identified as a cornerstone of the National Hydrogen Mission, crucial for India’s net-zero journey. Professor Sood highlighted ongoing endeavors in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies, aimed at optimizing costs and broader industrial applications.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, stressed the significance of innovation in national development. Government-funded research and development programs, including schemes like NIDHI and TDB, foster entrepreneurship and support startups, driving technological advancements.
Professor Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA, emphasized the dual nature of technology, which can reduce inefficiency but also drive increased consumption. To address this, a focus on EVs, green hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy-efficient habitats is essential. Transitioning to renewable energy globally is crucial in combating climate change.
In his keynote address, Padma Shri Professor G.D. Yadav advocated for sustainable solutions, emphasizing carbon removal and technological innovations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
India’s strides in sustainability underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship and global climate action.
