India targets 60% non-fossil electricity and 47% lower emission intensity by 2035
India unveiled its new nationally determined contributions for 2035, targeting 60% non-fossil electricity and a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity compared to 2005 levels.
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India published its new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) on Wednesday, setting a target of 60% non-fossil electricity by 2035. The country also plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 47% compared to 2005 levels. These commitments are submitted under the Paris Agreement, which requires signatories to regularly revise their climate targets.
Third-largest emitter globally, but low per capita emissions
India emitted 4.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, according to United Nations (UN) data, ranking third globally behind China and the United States. With a population of nearly 1.5 billion, however, its per capita emissions remain far below those of developed economies, and its historical contribution to climate change is limited relative to its level of development. Nearly three-quarters of its electricity still comes from coal-fired power plants, a dependency shared by other emerging economies in the region: the Philippines recently announced an increase in coal production to contain rising electricity prices.
India announced last year that 50% of its installed electricity generation capacity was now from renewable sources, five years ahead of the Paris Agreement's schedule. Other markets are also making progress in decarbonising their electricity mix: Western Australia has contracted more than 1 GW of wind power to replace coal. India has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.
Criticism over timing, mixed expert reactions
New Delhi recently faced criticism, notably from France, for delays in updating its NDCs. These contributions are required on a regular basis under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over the long term. Wednesday's publication brings several months of international pressure on the matter to a close.
Harjeet Singh of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation described the NDCs as a "clear signal of integrity and commitment," while noting that India could "accelerate its efforts further." Avantika Goswami of the Centre for Science and Environment stated that "the signal sent by India demonstrates that the path opened by the Global South on climate ambitions is concrete and real." These reactions reflect the mixed expectations surrounding climate commitments from major emerging economies.
