Prime Minister has pledged India's net-zero emissions target by 2070 at COP26. This ambitious goal requires significant decarbonization across all sectors, including various industries. The government has laid out a multi-pronged approach action plan:
Renewable Energy: Reaching 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and fulfilling at least 50% of energy needs with renewables.
Emissions Reduction: Reducing CO2 emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030.
Energy Efficiency: Enhancing energy efficiency across sectors.
Demand-Side Management: Promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
Technology Innovation: Supporting research and development in clean technologies.
Industry Sector contributes around 25% of India's total GHG emissions, Five industries i.e. Cement, steel, power, Chemicals & textiles are significant contributors to India's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2. Some of the Industry-Specific strategies which can help in achieving the Net Zero target are.
Cement Industry:
Alternative Fuels:
Co-processing of pre-processed plastic waste in kilns, replacing fossil fuels and reducing CO2 emissions. Requires efficient plastic waste collection and sorting infrastructure.
Utilizing biomass briquettes and pellets as partial substitutes for coal, providing renewable energy source. Challenges include sustainable biomass sourcing and managing ash residues.
Using hydrogen for heating in clinker production, leading to near-zero emissions. Requires cost-effective electrolyser technology and hydrogen storage infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency:
Implementing automated process control systems, utilizing waste heat recovery technologies, and optimizing kiln burning conditions for reduced energy consumption.
Investing in high efficiency grinding mills, adopting closed-circuit grinding systems, and minimizing material handling for further energy savings.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS):
Capturing CO2 emissions from flue gases using amine-based solvents or oxy-fuel combustion technologies. Requires significant capital investment and energy inputs.
Converting captured CO2 into stable carbonate minerals for permanent storage in geological formations. Offers long-term storage potential but still under development.
Steel:
Green Steelmaking:
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): Replacing coal-based blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces and DRI plants powered by renewable energy for carbon-neutral steel production. Requires large-scale grid modernization and affordable renewable energy access.
Hydrogen Steelmaking: Utilizing hydrogen in the direct reduction process for further emissions reduction compared to DRI. Relies on cost-effective hydrogen production and infrastructure.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Improvements: Scrap Pre-processing: Upgrading scrap quality through sorting and cleaning reduces energy consumption and improves steel quality. EAF Optimization: Implementing automation and real-time process monitoring in EAFs to optimize operational parameters and energy efficiency.
Circular Economy Strategies: Increased Recycled Steel Content: Encouraging wider use of scrap steel in production reduces reliance on virgin iron ore and lowers overall emissions. Extended Product Lifespan: Designing steel products for durability and recyclability to lessen material consumption and waste generation.
Power:
Renewable Energy Integration: Building high-voltage transmission lines and smart grid technologies to accommodate large-scale renewable energy integration and ensure grid stability. Deploying battery storage, pumped hydro storage, and other technologies to manage variability in renewable energy generation and meet peak demand periods.
Demand-Side Management: Implementing smart meters and advanced demand response programs to incentivize consumers to shift energy consumption away from peak hours and optimize grid operations. Promoting energy-efficient appliances, industrial equipment, and building designs to reduce overall electricity demand.
Chemicals:
Bio-based Feedstocks: Bioethanol: Utilizing bioethanol derived from agricultural waste or biomass as a feedstock for producing renewable chemicals like ethylene and polyethylene, replacing fossil-based sources. Bio-butanol: Using bio-butanol as an alternative to petroleum-derived propylene in the production of various chemicals and polymers.
Electrification of Processes: Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen: Employing electrolysis to produce green hydrogen for use in chemical processes, replacing fossil fuels and reducing emissions. Direct Electrochemical Processes: Replacing traditional thermal-based chemical reactions with direct electrochemical processes powered by renewable electricity, achieving energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
Textiles:
Recycled Materials: Mechanical Recycling: Utilizing post-consumer and industrial textile waste to produce recycled fibers and yarns for new clothing and textiles. Requires efficient sorting and processing technologies. Chemical Recycling: Depolymerizing used polyester and nylon into their monomers for repolymerization and production of new virgin-quality fibers, creating a closed-loop system.
Cleaner Dyeing and Finishing: Enzyme-based Processes: Adopting enzyme-based pre-treatment and dyeing processes for fabrics, reducing water and chemical consumption compared to traditional methods. Closed-Loop Systems: Implementing closed-loop water and chemical recycling systems within textile processing facilities to minimize water usage and wastewater generation.
India's net-zero journeys for industries hinges on a strategic blend of ambitious targets, industry-specific roadmaps, and the transformative power of digital technologies. By embracing digital tools like data analytics, AI, and smart manufacturing, India can unlock significant potential for emission reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable industrial growth. Addressing technical challenges and ensuring widespread adoption will be crucial in achieving India's net-zero ambitions and paving the way for a cleaner future. Digital technologies can play a critical role in accelerating India's industrial decarbonization journey.
Data analytics and AI: Analyse energy consumption patterns, identify emission hotspots, and optimize operations for efficiency.
Smart manufacturing: Implement automation, robotics, and digital twins for real-time process monitoring and control.
Transparent supply chains: Ensure sustainable sourcing of materials and track emissions throughout the value chain.
IoT sensors and devices: Monitor emissions, manage energy consumption, and automate emission reduction strategies.
Platform access and data sharing: Provide smaller industries with advanced analytics and AI tools and facilitate data sharing for collaborative decarbonization efforts.
Resources:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: https://moef.gov.in/
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): https://www.cii.in/
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India: https://www.wwfindia.org/
Kearney: https://www.kearney.com/service
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