India’s Energy Efficiency Targets and COP 30

24.09.2025

India’s Energy Efficiency Targets and COP 30

Context
 India is preparing to present its updated climate action commitments at the 30th Conference of Parties (COP 30) scheduled in Belém, Brazil, on November 10.

Conference of Parties (COP 30)

COP is the annual climate conference under the UNFCCC framework where countries discuss global warming, pollution control, and sustainable growth strategies. The upcoming COP 30 in Brazil will focus on reviewing and enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and financing mechanisms for developing nations.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Definition: NDCs represent each country’s climate action plan aimed at reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
   
• Origin: The concept was formalized under the 2015 Paris Agreement, with the objective of restricting global warming to well below 2°C.
   
• Timeline: NDCs are reviewed and updated every five years to reflect progress and ambition.
   
• Evolution: Initially called Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), the term became NDCs once the Paris Agreement was adopted.
   

India’s Updated NDC Commitments (2030 Targets)

India has pledged ambitious goals that balance economic development with sustainability.

Key Commitments:

1. Emission Intensity Reduction
    
   • Target: Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% compared to 2005 levels.
      
   • Progress: Achieved a 33% reduction by 2019, showing significant early gains.
      
2. Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity
    
   • Target: Ensure 50% of total installed power capacity comes from non-fossil sources by 2030.
      
   • Progress: India has already reached around 50% installed capacity from solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear sources.
      
3. Carbon Sink Creation
    
   • Target: Expand forest cover and afforestation efforts to create additional carbon sinks.
      
   • Method: Large-scale tree plantation and restoration programs aimed at absorbing emissions through carbon sequestration.

Global Context and Challenges

• Major Emitters: China, USA, India, and the EU lead global greenhouse gas emissions.
   
• Unequal Commitments:
   
  • The USA exited the Paris Agreement temporarily.
     
  • China is yet to submit a robust updated plan.
     
  • The EU has announced long-term Net Zero by 2050 but lacks clarity on medium-term 2035 goals.
     
• Developing Countries’ Concerns:
   
  • Developed nations historically emitted the most while industrializing.
     
  • They now expect emerging economies to reduce emissions despite ongoing development needs.
     
  • Calls for climate finance remain largely unmet, slowing technology adoption in developing nations.
     

India’s Partnerships and the Carbon Market

• India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM):
   Designed to exchange carbon credits, enabling both countries to achieve their targets more efficiently by funding cleaner technologies.
   
• Carbon Market Framework:
   India plans to operationalize its carbon market by 2026.
   
  • Mechanism: Companies receive emission allowances. If they pollute less, they can trade surplus credits to others exceeding limits.
     
  • Benefit: Encourages industry to innovate while creating financial incentives for emission reduction.
     

Strategic Importance for India

• Strengthens India’s global position as a responsible climate actor despite its developmental challenges.
   
• Builds pressure on developed countries to fulfill climate finance promises.
   
• Promotes energy transition, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and boosts renewable energy innovation.
   

Conclusion

India’s updated NDC targets demonstrate its commitment to balancing sustainable development with climate responsibility. With progress already visible in reducing emission intensity and expanding renewable energy, India enters COP 30 as a key player. However, global success depends on equitable responsibility, stronger commitments from major polluters, and the long-awaited fulfillment of climate finance pledges by developed nations.