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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
MSME hubs to cut carbon emission by 4mn+ tonnes
Mumbai: As the world marked World MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) Day on Jun 27, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from India's MSME sector are projected to increase from approximately 30 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2016–17 to over 72 MtCO₂e by 2029–30, more than doubling in just over a decade, data from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recognising this, Maharashtra's State Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by up to 55.15 million metric tonnes of CO₂ by 2031 through comprehensive energy efficiency and de-carbonisation measures. The plan, said Asar, a social impaction advisory forum focused on environmental and social issues, emphasises a cluster-based approach—targeting hubs like Pune Forging, Kolhapur Foundry, and Bhiwandi Textile—using mandatory energy audits, technology upgrades, and policy incentives to maximise energy savings and achieve emissions reductions of over 4.05 million metric tonnes of CO₂ by 2031. This emission reduction will be equivalent to taking nearly 9 lakh cars off the road for a year or eliminating the annual emissions from burning 2 million tonnes of coal, Asar pointed out. The state accounts for 17% of all MSMEs in India, with over 82.63 lakh registered units engaged across a range of sectors, including automotive components, general engineering, electronics, textiles, and metals. These enterprises generate approximately 40% of the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and provide livelihoods to over 1.3 crore people. However, many of these units, especially those in metal casting and foundry operations (melting and casting metal for vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure), continue to rely on high-emission fuels such as coke and coal, and have yet to fully benefit from energy efficiency tools or emissions tracking mechanisms. In Maharashtra, an estimated 8,259 MSME units are operating in the secondary steel and foundry sector alone. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Collectively, they are estimated to consume 11.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in energy annually and emit 58 MtCO₂, as per data reported through Sameeeksha, India's energy efficiency platform for MSMEs. "Foundries are indispensable to India's manufacturing economy, which boasts the world's second-largest foundry sector, but they're also incredibly hard to decarbonise," said Rahul Patil, chairman, Indian Institute of Foundrymen - Kolhapur.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM solar scheme faces hurdles in six states despite national rooftop solar push
Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana ( PMSGY ) beneficiaries are facing biggest hurdles in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal, with less than 5 per cent applications resulting in installations. The scheme is facing major challenges in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh as well, according to official data. These six states have performed much below the national conversion rate of 24.4 per cent under the scheme which has led to 1.14 million rooftop solar installations across the country till date. The absence of easy financing, despite directives issued by the Centre, is a major bottleneck hindering PMSGY implementation, said experts. Another key reason, according to them, is the lack of trained technicians, which has resulted in poor application to installation conversion rate in the eastern and north-eastern states. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan account for 78 per cent of rooftop solar installations in India. With a 75.7 per cent conversion rate, Gujarat has the highest efficiency with regard to PMSGY implementation. "High conversion rates indicate effective policy implementation and consumer awareness," said a study by The Energy and Resources Institute ( TERI ). The Centre approved a ₹75,021 crore outlay for PMSGY in February 2024. It aims to provide up to 300 units of electricity for free to 10 million Indian households which opt to install rooftop solar generation projects. The scheme offers 60 per cent subsidy on the cost of rooftop solar projects (up to 2 kW capacity) and 40 per cent of additional system cost for those with 2-3 kW capacity. "Bank loan is one of the major hurdles for marginalised segments seeking benefits under PMSGY as it is taking more time than envisaged," Alekhya Datta, associate director, electricity and renewables division, TERI, told ET.
Gulf Today
17-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
India's solar potential could far exceed previous assessments
A recent study estimates that India's total solar potential could reach 10,830 gigawatts (GW), far exceeding previous assessments and identifies new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. A reassessment by the Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has unveiled that this potential is nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report titled, 'Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-level Study', aims to offer a renewed perspective on the country's solar energy potential. The study identifies untapped solar avenues critical to achieving India's 2070 net-zero goal and advancing its Paris Agreement commitments, according to a TERI press release. These are new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. The TERI reassessment covers a wide range of categories, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) on barren and unculturable land with an estimated potential of 4,909 GW, floating solar PV with 100 GW, rural and urban rooftop solar PV with a combined potential of 960 GW, agri-PV for horticulture crops, coffee, and tea plantations with 4177 GW, the press release adds. As stated in a TERI policy brief, India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were updated in August 2022, setting the target of reduction of emission intensity by 45% by 2030, over the 2005 level, and achieving about 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil-based energy resources by 2030, and reaching net-zero by 2070. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the significant role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5000 TWh by 2050. It is well recognised now that solar power will form a major share of the clean energy mix in the country. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India in 2014, estimated India's solar potential at 748 GW, based on considering three per cent of wastelands for calculating solar potential. However, considering the growing demand, the advent of new solar applications, and the limitation posed by the assessed potential, there is a need to revisit the assumption forming the basis of the potential estimation, the TERI policy brief adds. The brief highlights that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the major role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 20501. Furthermore, as another TERI discussion paper, 'India's Journey to Net Zero: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis', projects that India's electricity consumption could grow five to six times, eventually peaking at levels comparable to the present levels of consumption in the European Union (EU) – equivalent to a per capita consumption of 6687 kWh or a total consumption of approximately 9362 TWh. This highlights the critical role of solar energy in decarbonizing India's power sector. Beyond this point, electricity consumption is expected to plateau. The reassessment study by TERI revisits the solar potential of conventional areas like barren and unculturable lands and explores additional avenues to increase the country's solar potential estimates. Based on literature review and macro analysis through various assumptions made by the authors, the study re-evaluates the country's solar potential. The categories considered and their estimated solar potential, based on the norm of three acres per MW for ground mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable and floating solar PV. The study finds that ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The TERI report comes at a critical juncture as India accelerates its transition to clean energy in line with its updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, the press release says. It adds that by highlighting underutilized and non-traditional solar applications, this report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to support a just and scalable energy transition.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India sitting on 10,830 GW solar reserve—New study reveals massive untapped capacity
New Delhi: What if India 's next energy revolution doesn't come from deserts alone—but from rooftops, ponds, plantations, railway tracks, and even urban facades? A new reassessment by The Energy and Resources Institute ( TERI ) has unveiled that India is sitting on a massive solar reservoir of 10,830 GW, nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report, Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-Level Study, re-evaluates India's solar deployment capacity across conventional and unconventional land-use categories. The earlier 2014 estimate by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had assumed 3% of wastelands for calculating solar potential. In contrast, the TERI study integrates barren lands, floating solar, rooftop systems, agri-voltaics, building-integrated PV, and infrastructure-based installations like railways and highways to arrive at a more comprehensive solar landscape. Ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4,909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1,234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The potential for rooftop solar has been revised significantly, with rural and urban systems together contributing 960 GW. TERI's estimate includes 600 GW from rural rooftops and 360 GW from urban areas, based on household size, roof area, and shading assumptions. Agri-voltaics for horticulture, tea, and coffee plantations collectively contribute 4,177 GW to the total solar potential. Of this, horticulture accounts for 4,059 GW, with tea plantations adding 25 GW and coffee areas contributing 93 GW. The report recommends that agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras lead regional pilot studies to determine realisable project opportunities across different agro-climatic zones. Incorporating GIZ's 2024 estimation for innovative solar applications, TERI's report adds another 684 GW from railway tracks, roads, urban installations, and building-integrated PV. This includes 79 GW from railway infrastructure, 75 GW from roads, 309 GW from building-integrated systems, and 221 GW from other urban surfaces. The reassessment has been undertaken against the backdrop of India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions, which call for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 over 2005 levels and 50% of cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil energy resources by the same year. India's net-zero target by 2070 further raises the importance of identifying scalable clean energy sources. TERI projects that India's electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 2050 and could rise to approximately 9,362 TWh—comparable to per capita levels currently seen in the European Union. In such a scenario, solar energy is expected to form the backbone of the non-fossil energy mix. While the total theoretical solar potential is pegged at 10,830 GW, the report notes that realisable capacity will require micro-level assessments using GIS tools, remote sensing, and site-specific filters such as substation proximity, solar insolation, infrastructure access, and climate risk exposure. The study provides a macro-level map to guide future solar energy planning and investment in India.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Dust, industrial & vehicle emissions top contributors to Faridabad air pollution
Faridabad: A first of its kind study in Faridabad shows that the NCR city's air is a swirl of road and construction dust, and industrial and vehicular emissions – the three largest contributors to pollution throughout the year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study, conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for Municipal Corporation of Faridabad under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), estimated that road and construction dust contributes up to 51% of PM10 pollutant. Industrial emissions – primarily from coal and diesel combustion — account for 38% of PM2.5, the more dangerous and lung-penetrating particulate matter (PM). Vehicular pollution is responsible for 91% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) — gases that contribute to smog and exacerbate respiratory illnesses — as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). Tailpipe emissions make up for 7% of PM10 and 10% of PM2.5, the study titled 'Ambient Air Pollution Source Apportionment Study of Faridabad' found. "This report provides Faridabad with a scientific foundation for policy and regulatory decisions and underscores the need for urgent and sustained action to improve public health and quality of life in the city," said Ved Prakash Sharma, one of the lead researchers of the study. Pollution, round the year in the city According to the report, the dominant pollutant at a specific time changes as seasons shift. Dust, for instance, accounts for the largest chunk of pollution in the summer months because dry winds aid its suspension. In winter, pollution spikes as cold weather and calm winds allow PM2.5 and PM10 – released from farm fires, among other sources -- to linger in the air. The study highlighted that 40% of winter pollution originates outside the city's borders, underscoring the need for regional coordination and inter-city policies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "During winter, stubble burning from farms is a key contributor to pollution in Faridabad, as is the case for most of Delhi-NCR. It also depends on the wind direction," Sharma said. The researcher said this contrast between summer and winter pollution profiles must prompt govts to take a dynamic approach for mitigating pollution. "In summer, govt must prioritise dust suppression measures such as mechanised street sweeping, water sprinkling, and enforcing construction site controls. On the other hand, winter pollution is largely driven by vehicular emissions, biomass burning and industrial activity. So, stricter enforcement of emission norms becomes critical. A one-size-fits-all policy won't work," Sharma said. Despite the seasonal variations, pollution levels were high all year long. The TERI study – which assessed air quality at industrial, residential, commercial, kerbside and background sites during summer and winter – found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were far beyond India's safe limits. In summer 2022, average PM10 was 305-364 µg/m³. The limit is 100 µg/m³. Similarly, in the winter of 2023, PM2.5 scaled 126 µg/m³, more than twice the maximum limit of 60 µg/m³. Warning, and the way ahead If the current trends persist, Sharma said, particulate matter emissions are likely to increase 57-65% by 2035. But, if the city gets its act together, it could significantly reduce pollution, the study said. Possible interventions listed for the transport sector include shifting to electric vehicles, phasing out older diesel vehicles, addressing issues that lead to regular traffic jams at specific spots, introducing high rates for parking on roads and increasing penalties for violating norms. To reduce residential and industrial emissions, the report says the focus must remain on switching to cleaner fuels such as LPG and solar instead of traditional coal-powered systems. Similarly, the ban on open waste burning must be enforced and use of diesel generators should be reduced sharply. Construction sites must follow all norms to manage dust pollution, and cities should consider regular mechanised sweeping and developing green belts, the study points out. If Faridabad manages to meet its goals, PM10 level in winter can be 43% lower than the existing average by 2035, and PM2.5 can be halved. "If Faridabad rigorously implements the full suite of interventions, the city can not only reduce winter PM2.5 levels by over 40% but also meet the daily safe limits for both PM10 and PM2.5 by 2035. This is a realistic and achievable target, but it requires sustained political will, inter-agency coordination, and year-round enforcement," said Sharma said. Until now, Delhi was the only NCR city where source apportionment analysis was carried out regularly to pinpoint key causes of pollution. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said such research is crucial for developing "effective strategies" to reduce pollution. Faridabad was the only Haryana district to be tagged as a 'non-attainment' city under Centre's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) because it consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The city was subsequently given the target of reducing PM concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 levels as the baseline. A regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board told TOI that the agency has received the TERI report. "A detailed roadmap for air quality improvement using all possible measures has been suggested," the official said.
