Decarbonisation: Go Green for Net-Zero

DECARBONISATION—to remove or reduce carbon emission and ensure carbon neutrality—is imperative to mitigate climate crisis the world over. In fact, considering the rich renewable energy resources found in the Northeastern states, the region could achieve successful decarbonisation.

Carbon emissions are driving the climate crisis, so we have a choice – either reduce the amount of carbon we emit or remove carbon from the atmosphere. This involves the use of clean, alternative energies that only emit what the planet can absorb.

The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by removing fossil fuel combustion. It can be achieved by switching to the use of low-carbon energy sources.

Decarbonisation aims at creating a carbon-free global economy through the targeted and technologically enabled reduction of emissions across value chains.

Decarbonisation techniques include opting for alternatives fuels, electrification, renewable energy, carbon-offset projects, lifecycle assessment processes and sustainable working practices.

Every year, energy drives economic growth that lifts millions of people out of poverty and helps improve the quality of life for billions across the globe. And yet, half of the world still live on less than Rs. 360 per day.

Over 80 per cent of the planet comes under developing countries, whose emerging economies are striving toward the kind of prosperity the industrialized world enjoys every day.

The growth needs to continue because everyone deserves opportunities for a better life. But the growth that improves the quality of lives strains our planet earth. Hence, one of the greatest challenges of our time is ensuring a balance between the needs of people with the needs of the planet.

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Ocean-based or blue carbon removal is highly effective at sequestering – that can store five times carbon per square foot as land-based ecosystems.

India will take its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW to meet 50 per cent of its energy from renewable energy by 2030 to achieve the target of net-zero by 2070.

Core Decarbonization Strategy

Clean electricity is a core decarbonization strategy. It includes the four pillars: energy efficiency, low carbon energy, fuel switch and non-energy emissions – including increasing land carbon storage. In 2050, electricity will be used not only to power end uses but also to produce electro fuels which is in fifth pillars to brings us to clean fuels like green hydrogen.

Sectors that are particularly hard-to-abate include Oil & Gas, Steel and Cement which are three of the most carbon-intensive industries, their direct emissions representing more than 1/4 of global CO2 emissions. These sectors alone account for approximately one-quarter of the world’s energy consumption and around one-fifth of total CO2 emissions.

Decarbonisation initiatives in the above sectors are, therefore, crucial to keep 1.5°C temperature within reach, the goal of Paris Agreement.

Bio-energy is indeed a big opportunity in decarbonising heavy industry and options such as biomass; bio fuels and biogas all have industrial applications. This makes a key part of the solution when it comes to fight climate change.

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To cut global greenhouse gas emissions and reach net-zero by 2050, three industries: hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and artificial intelligence are selected based on their potential in limiting global temperature rise and change the current trajectory.

The crosscutting decarbonisation strategies are net-zero electricity generation, energy saving, green buildings, green transport and waste reduction, that would lead the world towards the goal of carbon neutrality.

These technologies offer significant positive opportunities for creation of sustainable jobs, skills and knowledge and extension of the lifespan of existing infrastructure – all of which can increase prosperity for workers, provide stable employment and boost clean economic growth.

Decarbonisation in Northeast India Region

Successful decarbonisation can be achieved in the North Eastern States as the region is very rich in renewable energy resources. According to the New and Renewable Energy Ministry, as of February 29, 2024, only 4943.31 MW of renewable capacity has been installed in the region, constituting less than 4% of its total potential of which, 83% is accounted by hydro-power plants. Out of the region 55930 MW combined hydro-power potential, Manipur shared -105 MW only.

According to NEEPCO, the renewable energy potential of the region, encompassing solar, small hydro and bio-energy, is estimated to be approximately 65837 MW, of which only 610 MW has been realised. The solar power potential of around 62300 MW in the NER, particularly in Assam, Manipur and Mizoram and only 236.87 MW has been harnessed.

Furthermore, the wind power potential is 300-500 MW, especially at low hub heights of 50 and 80 meters. This potential too remains unexploited in the region, including Manipur.

Decarbonisation must go hand in hand with decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions, which will be hard. The good news, however, is that global economic growth is rising faster than CO2 emissions. Daunting as the challenge may seem, there are reports of recent success.

The solar panel revolution shows that we are moving in the right direction and that a low-carbon future is possible and makes financial sense. However, it will require engaging all stakeholders from the public sector to non-state actors.

One of the best options for decarbonisation and carbon removal is tree plantation and restoring and conserving the existing forests. Decarbonization is not just about policy and technology it is also about nature and how we can use nature-based solutions for net-zero. Thus, on this day, let’s take up mass trees plantation for a green environment.

The author is an Environmentalist, presently working as District Forest Officer, Chandel district, Manipur. The author can be reached at nmunall@yahoo.in.

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