As we bid adieu to yet another year, it is time to acknowledge India’s commitment towards combatting climate change and promoting sustainable development. India, with world’s largest population, and a plethora of challenges that brings along, has achieved significantly in the last year in terms of environment conservation and sustainability. While we welcome the new year, let us celebrate 10 major climate related wins for India in 2024.
1. Coal’s share in total power generation capacity in India dropped below 50%
India achieved a major milestone for its energy transition efforts. For the first time in the last several decades, the share of coal in the country’s total installed power capacity fell below 50% during the first quarter of 2024. This was primarily attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, with renewables accounting for 71.5% of the 13,669 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity added during this period.
By the end of the second quarter of 2024, India’s total installed renewable energy capacity, including large hydro projects, reached 196.4 GW, accounting for 44% of the overall power capacity mix. This puts India well ahead of its target to establish 50% cumulative power generation capacity from non-fossil-based sources by 2030.
2. India became the world’s third largest solar power generator, overtaking Japan
According to a report by the global energy think tank Ember, India overtook Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator in 2023. The report stated that the contributed of solar energy in the electric generation increased from 0.5% in 2015 to 5.8% in 2023. Furthermore, the country’s solar power generation grew by 17.9% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching approximately 32 billion units (BU). As of August 2024, India’s installed solar power capacity had reached 89.4 GW.
3. India expanded its Ramsar Site count to 80 by designating new sites in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
India expanded its network of Ramsar Sites to 80 in 2024. On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2024, India added five more Ramsar sites to its portfolio. The newly declared sites include Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu, and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve and Aghanashini Estuary in Karnataka. The Ramsar tag bestows these ecosystems with international recognition, gives them access to international management practices and increases the possibility for international funding.
4. The Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
The Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with an increased budget increase of INR 6 billion in 2024. This increase marked a 102% rise from the previous year. This was set with an aim to developing a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum by 2030, accompanied by an addition of approximately 125 GW of renewable energy capacity.
5. Over 2,600 climate tech start-ups were registered in India in the past decade
Technological innovation is crucial to accelerating India’s energy transition and decarbonisation, fostering new business models, and scaling clean technologies for a resilient and sustainable future. The climate tech sector in India has shown remarkable progress, reflecting a strong commitment to integrate economic growth with environmental sustainability. In the past decade, over 2,600 climate tech start-ups were registered in India, with around 800 still active.
The ecosystem is still in its early stages and faces considerable funding gaps and a mismatch between investor expectations and the capital needs of climate tech ventures. Bridging these gaps requires enhanced collaboration between investors, founders, and policymakers to identify regulatory and policy barriers that hinder green capital flow, fostering a more conducive environment for scaling sustainable innovations in India.
6. Achieved more than 20% reduction of particulate matter in 55 cities and 40% reduction in 23 cities.
The National Clean Air Programme launched in 2019 covers 130 cities in 24 States and UTs with an objective to achieve substantial improvement in air quality, up to 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2025-26 from 2017-18. India has achieved more than 20% reduction of particulate matter in 55 cities and 40% reduction in 23 cities till 2023- 2024. Due to continuous efforts, 18 of the above cities are meeting national air ambient air quality standards. Total fund for Rs.11,200 crore has been allocated to these cities for air pollution mitigation measures. A PRANA portal has been launched to update the air quality data in real time.
7. India achieved Milestone of Planting 102 Crore Trees Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
On the occasion of ‘World Environment Day’ which is celebrated on 5th June, 2024, the Prime Minister launched the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, exhorting people to plant trees as a mark of love and respect for one’s own Mother and for protecting and preserving the Mother Earth. MoEFCC has reached out to Central Government Ministries/Departments, State Governments, Institutions and Organizations to ensure the plantation of 140 crore trees by March, 2025. As on date, more than 102 crore trees have been planted under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
8. Reduced emission intensity vis-à-vis GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019, achieving the initial NDC target 11 years ahead of schedule
Emission intensity of India’s GDP is reduced by 33 % between 2005 and 2019. Hence, the target on reduction of emission intensity has been achieved well ahead of the schedule. As on 31.10.2024, the cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources was at 46.52% of the total cumulative electric power installed capacity. India has updated its NDC targets to 45% of reduction in emission intensity and 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources, by 2030. India is on track to meet its global commitments on climate change.
9. India’s ranking in the Climate Performance Index has improved from 31st in 2014 to 7th in 2024
India’s performance in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) has improved significantly over the past decade. The country stood at 31st place in 2014, and secured 7th in 2024. This shows India’s growing commitment to combatting climate change.
India has maintained its position among the top 10 performers for five consecutive years. The country received high rankings in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (9th) and Energy Use (10th), highlighting its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the country and improving the energy efficiency. India also ranked 10th in the Climate Policy category, indicating strong governmental support for formulation of policies for energy transition and climate action. Furthermore, India is on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, earning it bonus points in the index.
10. Introduced Climate Finance Taxonomy
India introduced “Climate Finance Taxonomy” in Budget 2024-25. This taxonomy will facilitate investments in sectors such as shipping, aviation, iron and steel and chemicals, which are transitioning from energy efficiency targets to emissions reduction targets. The budget also supports the development of a taxonomy for climate finance, boosting capital availability for climate initiatives, and ensuring that investments are transparently and efficiently directed towards genuine green projects.
A localised climate finance taxonomy can align a country’s climate goals with international commitments like the Paris Agreement, considering regional factors that influence transition pathways.
