Realizing India's successful transition to cleaner energy sources will be a challenging endeavour, according to Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, a leading energy expert and member of government think tank NITI Aayog. He highlighted key sectors that need attention, including clean coal technologies, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, biofuels, nuclear energy, mobility, and energy storage.

Over the past three decades, India's energy demand has tripled, with coal and oil still dominating the energy mix, despite a decline in traditional biomass usage. Dr. Saraswat emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in the utilization of fossil fuels, focusing on increased efficiency and cleaner approaches to achieve India's net-zero emissions target.

Looking ahead, the electricity demand is expected to increase significantly, reaching 5,651 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2047 under a business-as-usual scenario and spiking to 18,900-22,300 TWh per year by 2070. Coal energy is projected to maintain its dominant role, with its share in primary energy rising to 50 percent by 2047.

To achieve a sustainable energy future, India's path includes implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), adopting advanced technologies, and shifting towards sustainable alternatives like electric vehicles (EVs). The accelerated scenario involves additional policies such as carbon pricing, technology breakthroughs, and a faster shift to sustainable consumption patterns.

However, Dr. Saraswat acknowledged the challenges that come with transitioning to greener energy sources. Green hydrogen production requires greening a substantial portion of power generation and addressing high electrolyzer costs and import dependencies. Similarly, CCUs face commercial, technological, and infrastructure barriers that necessitate government support, investments, and cost reductions. Mobility sector challenges include high battery imports and limited clean electricity for electrification.

He emphasized the need for changes in laws and regulations to introduce small-medium nuclear reactors. Building a low-carbon economy culture is crucial for the success of these strategies. Ensuring access to finances and technology collaboration, developing inclusive carbon pricing and taxing policies, and promoting alternative resources while discouraging fossil fuels are essential steps.

Dr. Saraswat also recommended enhancing investments in hydrogen, CCUs, and biomass, greening agricultural subsidies, and promoting green procurement of food grains. Public support for carbon law-compatible financial instruments is essential in driving the transition to a greener energy landscape in India.