India is at a critical juncture in its economic journey, with dual aspirations for energy transition and carbon neutrality. India ranks fourth globally in total renewable energy capacity, yet it remains the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, despite having one of the lowest per capita carbon emissions in the world. The growth of agriculture and other hard-to-abate sectors that are crucial for economic growth also significantly contribute to the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is fraught with challenges. These challenges are not, however, insurmountable. Recent progress towards the the 2070 is promising, but for India to realize its climate ambitions, rapid and continued technology investment will be required.
Honeywell Report on India’s Path to Net Zero: Key Highlights
The central role of technology in enabling India to meet its climate objectives is clearly outlined in Honeywell’s latest report – ‘India’s Path to Net Zero’.
The report highlights that, today, the power, industrial, agriculture, and transport sectors are the major sources (90%) of GHG emissions in India, with future emissions potentially reaching 12 Gt CO₂ equivalent. The analysis reiterates the need to reduce import reliance on energy systems, fast-track India’s aim to reduce the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 and build capabilities for energy storage.
Three key highlights of the report include:
1. Energy storage investment will be critical to success
Energy storage is a vital technology for the harnessing of renewable power. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are made up of a range of solutions that store, monitor and manage the release of renewable power into the grid.
Honeywell’s report acknowledges the critical role of BESS in ensuring energy security and round-the-clock accessibility, and calls for the phasing out of diesel generators, to be replaced with these systems, across urban infrastructure. This would play a crucial role in India’s goal to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, and align with the global BESS consortium’s goal to achieve a combined commitment of 5 GW of BESS commitments by the end of 2024. Recently, Honeywell commissioned and delivered India’s first on-grid solar project using BESS for the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
2. Mandates are needed to unlock hydrogen for industrials
The report highlights complex challenges in industrial sectors including greater power demand, increased reliance on fossil fuels, and inadequate technology adoption that together inhibit the sectors’ abilities to reach net zero. To fast-track decarbonisation in these sectors, special SEZs with access to renewable energy, industrial freight corridors and ports will be instrumental. Additionally, the report highlights the need to mandate 50% green hydrogen blending requirements for refineries and fertilizers by 2030 in order to help unlock the potential of this exciting techology.
Honeywell is accelerating the development of Catalyst-Coated Membranes to drive down the cost of green hydrogen production, aligning with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission target of producing 5 Mt/y of green hydrogen by 2030.
3. There is unprecedented opportunity to accelerate alternative fuel production
Honeywell’s report calls for action to transform India’s energy mix from 73% fossil fuels to 50% renewable by 2030. This requires leveraging the National Biofuel policy, promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending, expanding blending tagets for biofuels and strengthening logisitics and infrastructure.
India is a global agricultural powerhouse and world’s largest producer of milk, pulses and spices. The country is bestowed with large quantities of cattle manure and agricultural waste and is also one of the leading consumers of edible oil. The ingredients are there to produce considerable volumes of biogas and biofuel derived from these – and other – sources. Honeywell has developed technologies that can produce alternatives to fossil fuels using a wide range of waste feeds, from fats, oils and greases, to ethanol, methanol, biomass and even captured carbon dioxide.
Honeywell technologies to support India’s Path to Net Zero:
As India strides towards a sustainable future, Honeywell is the right technology partner for the nation’s climate ambitions. Latest initiatives include:
Green H2 Plant Control & Optimization: Honeywell’s Green H2 Plantwide Control and Optimization systems optimize plant operations, and significantly reduce production costs while enabling compliance to emissions target. By integrating operations across the plant, Honeywell ensures efficiency and sustainability in green hydrogen production.
Bio-Compostables: To mitigate environmental impact of packaging materials, Honeywell is exploring bio-compostable solutions. The company’s focus on technical feasibility and application in critical sectors like medical and automotive packaging reflects it’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Biofuels: Honeywell’s technologies for producing biofuels from biomass for heating, road transport and aviation, align strongly with India’s strategy to leverage its abundant and diverse biomass resource to meet its domestic needs and to create export opportunities.
Smart and Sustainable Cities: Honeywell continues to hone it’s technologies to equip the transition of Indian urban landscape to smart and sustainable cities. By leveraging innovative technologies and digital infrastructure, the company aims to reduce environmental footprints, boost economic growth, and enhance the quality of life.
Carbon capture solutions: Honeywell has been building a strong suite of carbon capture solutions to meet the unique requirements of different industries based on their process conditions and emission intensity.
