Industrial Emission Reduction in India: Key Barriers, Best Practices & Measures

Focus: Delays in India’s thermal power sector compliance with SO₂ emission norms, governance challenges, and balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Key Emission-Intensive Industries

1. Thermal Power Sector
   • Largest contributor to GHG emissions.
   • Coal-based plants contribute ~50% of fuel-related CO₂ emissions.
   • Delayed implementation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) technology; compliance deadline extended to 2027.
2. Steel Industry
   • Highly energy-intensive; CO₂ emissions from coal-based blast furnaces.
   • Transition to green hydrogen-based steelmaking is slow.
   • India emitted 242 Mt CO₂ in 2022.
3. Cement Industry
   • Significant emissions due to limestone calcination.
   • Responsible for ~5.8% of India’s CO₂ emissions.
   • Efforts to use blended cement exist, but economic constraints limit adoption.
4. Oil and Gas Industry
   • Major sources of methane leaks and CO₂.
   • Oil demand projected to double by 2045, increasing emissions.
5. Fertilizer Industry
   • Major emitter of nitrous oxide (N₂O); contributes ~25 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
   • Slow adoption of nano-urea.
6. Aluminum Industry
   • High CO₂ emissions due to reliance on electricity and carbon anodes.
   • Most smelters rely on coal-based power.
7. Transport Sector
   • Rapidly increasing emissions from vehicle ownership and freight movement.
   • Accounts for 12% of India’s energy-related CO₂ emissions.

Key Barriers to Emission Reduction

• Dependence on Coal: Heavy reliance on coal makes emission reduction challenging.
• High Costs of Clean Technologies: Slow adoption due to significant upfront costs.
• Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Frequent policy dilutions and inconsistent implementation of emission norms.
• Lack of Financial Incentives: Limited green financing options and low carbon credit pricing.
• Inefficiencies in Industrial Processes: Outdated machinery increases energy consumption.
• Slow Circular Economy Adoption: Underdeveloped recycling and waste management practices.
• Socioeconomic Trade-Offs: Balancing job creation and emission reduction poses political challenges.

Global Best Practices

• Renewable Energy Transition: Denmark and Germany leading in wind and solar power adoption.
• Carbon Pricing: Implemented in Switzerland, Canada, and EU.
• Sustainable Transport: Norway’s high electric vehicle penetration.
• Energy Efficiency: Japan’s standards-setting programs for appliances.
• Afforestation Initiatives: Costa Rica and China leading in forest restoration.

Proposed Measures for India

1. Strengthening Carbon Pricing: Implement mandatory carbon pricing with strict penalties.
2. Expanding Green Hydrogen Ecosystem: Policy incentives to boost green hydrogen production.
3. Circular Economy in Manufacturing: Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and promote industrial symbiosis.
4. Decarbonizing Thermal Power: Rapid deployment of FGD and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
5. Strengthening Energy Efficiency Standards: Expand the PAT scheme and enforce ECBC compliance.
6. Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption: Incentives for captive solar and wind power solutions.
7. Low-Carbon Transport Development: Transition to electric/hydrogen-powered vehicles and enhance rail transport.
8. Just Transition for Coal-Dependent Industries: Programs for reskilling workers and transitioning to clean energy.

Way Forward

• Urgent need to balance economic growth with emission reduction for sustainable development.
• Alignment with the Kyoto Protocol and SDGs is crucial for long-term success.

Mains Answer Writing Practice Question

Industrial emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change in India. As the nation strives for economic growth, it faces the dual challenge of increasing industrial output while reducing environmental degradation. Analyze. (200 words)