India climate targets: progress and key gaps

  1. Emission Intensity
    Achievement: Emission intensity reduced by ~36% (2005–2020)
    (Target: 33–35% by 2030 → achieved early)
    Issue: Despite efficiency gains, total emissions still rising
    (India ≈ 3 billion tonnes CO₂e; 3rd largest emitter)

Meaning: Growth is cleaner, but overall pollution is higher.

  1. Non-Fossil Power Capacity
    Achievement: Non-fossil sources form ~45% of installed capacity (2024–25) (Paris target: 40% by 2030 → achieved)
    Issue: Actual electricity generation from non-fossil is only ~22%

Meaning: Capacity added, but coal still dominates power supply.

  1. Renewable Energy Expansion
    Achievement: Solar capacity rose from ~3 GW (2014) to ~110 GW (2025)
    Issue: Renewable power is intermittent and limited by storage & grid gaps

Meaning: Fast expansion, but the system is not ready to absorb full output.

  1. Coal Dependence
    Achievement: Share of coal in installed capacity is gradually declining
    Issue: Coal still accounts for ~50% of installed capacity and most generation

Meaning: Energy transition incomplete.

  1. Forest Carbon Sink
    Achievement: India’s forest carbon stock ≈ 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂ (ISFR 2023)
    Issue: Target is 2.5–3 billion tonnes by 2030 → progress slow. 

Also, forest cover includes plantations, not just natural forests
Meaning: Carbon sink claims are contested.

India climate targets
India climate targets
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India climate targets: progress and key gaps

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