India Sets 2035 Climate Targets, Eyes 60% Clean Energy Capacity

India has unveiled a fresh set of climate commitments for 2035, outlining plans to further reduce emissions intensity, expand non-fossil fuel energy capacity, and strengthen carbon sinks as part of its updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

The announcement signals a continuation of India’s calibrated approach to climate action-balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability-while reinforcing its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Emissions Intensity Reduction Target

At the core of the updated commitments is a plan to cut the emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product by 47% from 2005 levels by 2035. This metric reflects the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of economic output and is central to India’s climate strategy.

India has already made notable progress on this front, having reduced emissions intensity significantly between 2005 and 2020. The new target builds on these gains and underscores the country’s focus on making growth cleaner rather than restricting economic expansion.

Officials indicated that improvements in energy efficiency, adoption of cleaner technologies, and sectoral transitions will be key drivers in achieving this goal.

Clean Energy Capacity to Reach 60%

The government has also set a target of ensuring that 60% of installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. This includes renewable energy such as solar and wind, along with nuclear and large hydroelectric power.

India has already made rapid strides in expanding its clean energy base. The country reached nearly half of its installed capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of its earlier 2030 target, driven by large-scale solar installations and growing wind capacity.

The continued expansion of renewable energy is expected to play a critical role in meeting rising electricity demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Falling technology costs and supportive policy measures are likely to further accelerate this transition in the coming years.

Boost to Carbon Sinks

In addition to energy and emissions targets, India has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing carbon sinks through afforestation and ecological restoration.

The country aims to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. This effort will focus on increasing forest and tree cover, contributing not only to climate mitigation but also to biodiversity conservation and rural development.

Programmes aimed at large-scale plantation and sustainable land management are expected to support this target.

Balancing Growth and Energy Demand

India’s updated climate goals come at a time when the country is experiencing rapid economic growth and rising energy demand. Industrial expansion, urbanisation, and improving living standards are driving a steady increase in electricity consumption.

Officials emphasised that ensuring energy security remains a priority. While renewable energy is expanding rapidly, conventional sources such as coal are expected to continue playing a role in the near term, particularly for meeting baseload demand.

This dual approach reflects the challenges of transitioning a large and developing economy toward cleaner energy systems without disrupting growth.

Global Context and Long-Term Vision

The announcement comes amid global efforts to strengthen climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. India’s updated targets are seen as part of a broader push by countries to align their policies with long-term climate goals.

India has consistently highlighted the principle of equity in climate negotiations, noting that its per capita emissions remain lower than those of many developed nations. It has also called for greater financial and technological support to help developing countries accelerate their transitions.

The 2035 targets are aligned with India’s broader commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, providing a medium-term roadmap toward that goal. Expanding renewable energy capacity at scale will necessitate upgrades to grid infrastructure, increased energy storage capabilities, and improved transmission networks.

At the same time, industries will need to adopt cleaner technologies and improve efficiency to meet emissions intensity goals. Policy support, regulatory clarity, and access to financing will be critical in driving this transition.

References:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245209&reg=3&lang=1

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949948824000039

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

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