India Aims for 60% Non-Fossil Fuel Power by 2035, Enhances Climate Targets
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India has set a new target to achieve 60% of its electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035.
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The country aims to reduce the emissions intensity per unit of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 47%.
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A goal has been established to increase India's carbon sink capacity to 3.5 billion tonnes to 4 billion tonnes.
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These enhanced ambitions underscore India's commitment to global climate action and sustainable development.
- ●New non-fossil fuel power target: 60% of electricity generation capacity by 2035.
- ●Emissions intensity reduction target: 47% per unit of GDP.
- ●Carbon sink enhancement target: 3.5 billion tonnes to 4 billion tonnes.
India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
These new targets are an enhancement of India's existing NDCs submitted under the Paris Agreement, reflecting higher ambition in climate action.
Renewable Energy Sources
Achieving the 60% non-fossil fuel target necessitates a rapid expansion of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power generation capacities.
Green Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The shift towards clean energy and carbon sink enhancement directly contributes to several SDGs, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), fostering sustainable economic growth.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The international environmental treaty that India is a party to, aiming to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations. The Paris Agreement operates under the UNFCCC.
Paris Agreement
A legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015, setting long-term goals to guide all nations to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
National Solar Mission
To promote solar energy development and deployment in India, aiming to make India a global leader in solar energy.
Key: Supports grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects, R&D, and manufacturing.
National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
To provide a framework for promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land.
Key: Encourages new hybrid projects and hybridization of existing wind/solar projects.
Green India Mission (GIM)
One of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aiming to protect, restore and enhance India’s diminishing forest cover and respond to climate change.
Key: Focuses on increasing forest/tree cover, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing carbon sequestration.
Exam Relevance
GS-III: Environment & Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment; Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Economy, Environment.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Economic & Social Issues, Environmental Issues.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environmental Studies, Indian Economy.
General Knowledge: Current Events, Environment, Indian Economy.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Consider the following statements: 1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. 3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: None
Consider the following pairs: Famous place : River 1. Pandharpur : Chandrabhaga 2. Tiruchirappalli : Cauvery 3. Hampi : Malaprabha Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Answer: 1 and 2 only
If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
Answer: 7
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Analyze the significance of India's enhanced clean energy targets in the context of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate action.'
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving India's goal of 60% non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity by 2035.'
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway may ask: 'What is India's target for reducing its emissions intensity per unit of GDP?'
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway may ask: 'By which year does India aim to achieve 60% non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity?'
Topic Frequency
High for UPSC (conceptual and policy-based questions), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway/Defence (factual recall of targets and years).
Key Terms
Energy sources that do not involve burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), including renewables (solar, wind, hydro) and nuclear power.
The amount of greenhouse gas emissions released per unit of economic output (typically GDP), indicating the carbon efficiency of an economy.
Any natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases, such as forests, oceans, or carbon capture technologies.
Climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, outlining their efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Must Remember
- •The specific target percentages: 60% non-fossil fuel power, 47% emissions intensity reduction.
- •The target year: 2035 for non-fossil fuel power.
- •The carbon sink target range: 3.5-4 billion tonnes.
- •These targets are an enhancement of India's NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Exam Tips
- •Understand the definitions of key terms like 'emissions intensity' and 'carbon sink' thoroughly.
- •Relate these targets to India's existing climate policies and international commitments.
- •Be prepared for statement-based questions that test your conceptual understanding and ability to differentiate between similar-sounding targets or years.