New Delhi: India can achieve energy independence in the mobility sector by 2047, according to a new report by global non-profit RMI. Released on September 3, 2024, the report titled “India at 2047: A Vision for Energy Independence in the Mobility Sector” emphasises achieving 100% clean fuel vehicle sales by 2043. This shift is expected to reduce crude oil consumption in road transport by 91%, saving INR 160 lakh crore (USD 1,923 billion) and cutting cumulative carbon emissions by nearly 14 gigatonnes, an 87% reduction compared to the progress-as-usual scenario in 2047.
Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, spoke at the report’s launch event, stating, “India has set a goal for energy independence as part of Prime Minister Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision and is on a pathway to transition to a clean energy future that is domestically produced from new and renewable energy sources. India’s mobility sector, accounting for 18% of the country’s energy demand, is making strong progress with 12.3 lakh EVs registered and a 7.6% sales penetration. India is fast becoming a global hub for 2- and 3-wheeler manufacturing, with momentum building rapidly.”
Recommendations from the report
The report offers key recommendations and actions to transform India’s road transport system into an electric, shared, and energy-independent model. Key strategies include cohesive supply- and demand-side policies, innovative financing mechanisms, and a circular economy for EV batteries.
Sumant Sinha, Chair of the RMI Board and Chairman and CEO of ReNew, emphasised the broader national vision, stating, “With India’s per capita primary energy consumption slated to double by 2047, the country is making remarkable strides in the energy transition through the adoption of clean technologies. To accelerate the speed and scale of India’s mobility revolution, focus and investment will be needed across infrastructure, policy support, skilling and R&D. RMI’s work has been impactful and in the right direction, as reflected in the report released today.”
Jon Creyts, CEO, RMI, highlighted India’s potential leadership in global energy transition, saying, “This ambitious energy independence vision, set by the Government of India, represents an opportunity to facilitate the country meeting its net-zero goals announced at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) by adding a significant amount of domestically produced clean energy to the grid. Electrification of mobility can reduce air pollution, improve public health, enhance transport access and strengthen India’s economy while driving decarbonisation. Through these actions, India can chart a path to substantial EV adoption in the next decade and beyond.”
EV adoption in India
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as crucial for reducing the environmental impact of India’s growing mobility sector, which currently accounts for 18% of the nation’s energy demand. The cumulative savings in crude oil consumption and emission reductions underscore the economic and environmental benefits of this transition.
India is already making advancements with 12.3 lakh EVs registered and a 7.6% sales penetration in the mobility sector. The country is becoming a key player in the global market for 2- and 3-wheeler manufacturing, contributing to the momentum in clean vehicle adoption.
Roadmap for Indian mobility sector
The report outlines a comprehensive roadmap for India’s mobility sector to transition to clean, renewable energy sources by 2047. It stresses the importance of policy support, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and research and development in achieving these ambitious goals.
Amitabh Kant highlighted India’s strategic direction towards energy independence. He pointed out the nation’s progress under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and its readiness to leverage domestically produced clean energy.
Sumant Sinha called for continued investments and focus on various facets of the mobility sector, emphasising the need for clean technologies and supportive policies.
Jon Creyts underlined the multifaceted benefits of electrifying mobility and how it aligns with India’s net-zero commitments, enhancing public health, transportation access, and economic growth.
The transformation to a clean energy mobility system represents a significant step towards India’s energy independence and its broader environmental and economic objectives. The roadmap suggests that with the right investments and policy frameworks, India can lead the way in sustainable transport solutions globally.
