Adani to now try to reduce India's carbon footprint up to Net Zero

Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), recognized as India’s foremost renewable energy enterprise, alongside Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), the country’s largest private entity in transmission and distribution, both integral components of the globally diversified Adani group, have announced their membership in the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA). This international initiative aims to foster collaboration within the power and utilities sector to expedite the integration of renewable energy and address shared challenges in achieving global net zero targets.

Established during COP28 with the endorsement of the UAE Declaration of Action, UNEZA operates under the auspices of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions. The Alliance brings together prominent global utilities and energy companies to lead the development of grids that are prepared for renewable energy, advocate for clean energy solutions, and promote electrification initiatives.

AGEL and AESL have distinguished themselves as the first organizations in their respective fields in India to join this international alliance. As a UNEZA member, AGEL will concentrate on initiatives such as expanding clean energy production, bolstering energy security, and enhancing energy efficiency. Concurrently, AESL will intensify its commitment to establishing a dependable grid infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of green energy.

“Joining the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance gives an opportunity to collaborate with global peers on advancing the sustainability goals, drive innovation and accelerate the clean energy transition. As India’s largest renewable energy player, we are committed to deliver 50 GW by 2030 and contribute 10% of the nation’s non-fossil fuel energy goal by that year,” Sagar Adani, Executive Director, AGEL, said.

Adani group's AGEL, AESL committed to achieving 'net zero' by 2050

Adani Green Energy intends to expand its renewable energy capacity from the current operational level of 11.2 GW to 50 GW by 2030. The company is in the process of developing the largest renewable energy facility in the world, which will have a capacity of 30 GW, located in Khavda, Kutch, Gujarat. Spanning an area of 538 sq km, this facility is nearly five times larger than Paris and, upon completion, will stand as the largest power plant globally across all energy sources.

For its distribution operations in Mumbai, Adani Energy Solutions has established a goal to elevate the proportion of renewable energy in its bulk power acquisitions to 70% by 2030. Furthermore, the company aims to achieve a reduction in its direct emissions by 72.7% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. As part of its investment in renewable energy infrastructure, AESL is constructing a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line, with an investment of $1 billion, to ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy for Mumbai.

What is 'net zero'?

Net zero denotes a condition in which the volume of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is equivalent to the volume removed from it. This equilibrium can be attained through a combination of emission reductions and various removal strategies.

Achieving net zero is crucial as it signifies the cessation of global warming, particularly concerning carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it is essential that net zero is maintained indefinitely, ensuring that the greenhouse gases that have been eliminated do not re-enter the atmosphere over time.

While net zero shares similarities with carbon neutrality, it encompasses a wider range of greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, and various hydrofluorocarbons.

Key characteristics of an effective net zero framework include prudent utilization of carbon dioxide removal technologies, stringent regulation of carbon offsets, a focus on equity, commitment to sustainable development, and the elimination of poverty.