India’s Pioneering Role in Climate Tech: Major Scientific Contributions Driving Global Sustainability

India’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions is being accelerated by a wave of climate-tech startups that are delivering sustainable, innovative solutions across key sectors. These companies are addressing critical environmental challenges such as renewable energy, carbon capture, electric mobility, and sustainable agriculture, all while reducing emissions and optimising resource use. Notable startups like ReNew Power, Oorjan, and Carbon Clean are driving advancements in solar energy, emissions reduction, and carbon capture, while Ather Energy is transforming the electric vehicle market. These companies are playing a crucial role in India's transition to a low-carbon economy, helping position the country as a global leader in climate-tech innovation.

Through advancements in energy, sustainable farming, and water management, India's climate-tech sector is playing a critical role in the global fight against climate change. By embracing these technologies, India is not only contributing to its own environmental objectives but also supporting the broader global effort to mitigate climate change.

Climate-Tech Startups Fueling India’s Net-Zero Future

In addition to these established players, a new wave of climate-tech startups is making a significant impact. For instance, Buyofuel is revolutionising India’s biofuel sector with its marketplace for buying and selling biofuels, while Bambrew is providing eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging solutions. Startups like Chakr Innovation are cutting diesel emissions with patented retrofit technologies, and Phool is turning temple flowers into sustainable products. GreenJams is developing carbon-negative building materials, and Wastelink is tackling food waste by upcycling surplus food into animal feed. These emerging companies, along with others like The Energy Company, are contributing to India’s climate goals through innovative technologies that promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact, reinforcing the role of homegrown solutions in the global fight against climate change.

1. Renewable Energy Advancements: Solar Power and Wind Energy

India’s renewable energy sector has made remarkable progress, positioning the country as one of the leading players globally. By 2023, India is expected to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, with a focus on solar and wind energy. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India is on track to meet its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.

Solar Power Innovation

India’s National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, has been instrumental in expanding the country’s solar capacity. India is now the third-largest solar market globally. A key player in India’s solar revolution is Tata Power Solar, which has been involved in setting up large-scale solar projects. In 2021, Tata Power Solar commissioned a 300 MW solar plant in Pavagada, Karnataka.

Innovations like floating solar farms have been making waves in India. In 2020, NTPC Limited set up a floating solar plant on the Simhadri Reservoir, marking India’s first large-scale floating solar installation. This breakthrough uses the water surface area of reservoirs for solar generation, a technique that helps in reducing land use and preventing water evaporation.

Wind Energy Developments

India is also making substantial strides in wind energy, boasting the fourth-largest installed wind energy capacity globally. One of the most exciting developments is the expansion of offshore wind farms. In 2022, India was awarded a contract for its first offshore wind energy project in the coastal state of Gujarat, which is expected to generate over 1,000 MW of power. This could be a game-changer for India’s energy transition.

2. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

With carbon emissions being a major contributor to global warming, India is pushing the boundaries in carbon capture technology. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has been working on innovative methods to capture and store carbon dioxide from industrial plants. Their research focuses on direct air capture (DAC), a method that involves removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it underground.

The government of India has also announced ambitious plans to set up CCS hubs to help industries reduce their carbon footprint. India’s CCS roadmap includes the establishment of carbon dioxide storage sites across the country to monitor, transport, and store captured carbon dioxide According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), carbon capture could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2050, and India’s efforts are a crucial part of this global strategy.

3. Green Hydrogen: Fuel for the Future

Green hydrogen is seen as a game-changing technology that could revolutionise energy systems worldwide. India has been actively investing in the development of green hydrogen, aiming to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, making it a key element in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.

One of the key players in this space is Reliance Industries, which announced plans to invest USD 10 billion in green energy, including hydrogen, over the next 3-5 years. In 2022, Reliance launched its green hydrogen vision and is working with companies such as Indian Oil Corporation to develop hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.

In another major development, the Indian government has unveiled the National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote research, development, and adoption of green hydrogen technology, positioning India as a global leader in the sector.

4. Sustainable Agriculture: Agri-Tech Innovations

Sustainability in agriculture is critical to tackling climate change, and India is making significant strides in agri-tech. The country is home to several agriculture-tech startups developing solutions that promote sustainable farming practices. AgNext Technologies, for instance, is using AI and machine learning to help farmers improve productivity and reduce waste. Their AI-powered platforms assess the quality of crops, including grains and vegetables, to enhance yield predictions and reduce food wastage.

Another notable initiative is SABIC India’s collaboration with local farmers to promote climate-resilient crops. Through precision farming techniques and data analytics, they help farmers adopt practices that conserve water, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Water Management and Climate Adaptation: The Role of Technology

Water scarcity and poor water management are growing concerns in India, with the country experiencing erratic rainfall and increasing water shortages. To address this, India has been leveraging technology for climate adaptation, particularly in water management. Technologies like smart irrigation systems, water harvesting, and desalination plants are playing a critical role in conserving water resources.

Several Indian startups are innovating water-efficient irrigation technologies that help farmers optimise water usage. These innovations are expected to improve water efficiency by 30-40% in agricultural practices.

6. Clean Mobility: Electric Vehicles (EV) and Charging Infrastructure

India is on its way to becoming a hub for electric vehicles (EVs), with a growing number of startups and companies leading the charge. In 2023, India's EV sales increased by 49.25% to 1.52 million units. Two-wheelers led the market with around 782,000 units sold, while four-wheelers sold around 54,300 units. Last year, Tata Motors dominated the EV market with 72% of the share, followed by MG Motors (10.8%) and Mahindra (9%). The top-selling models in 2023 were the Tata Tiago, Nexon, Tigor, MG ZS, and the Mahindra XUV400.

To support this growth, the Indian government is investing heavily in building a nationwide EV charging infrastructure. By 2030, India aims to have 30% of all vehicles on the road be electric. This ambitious goal is supported by companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, and BYD India.

As the world faces growing environmental challenges, India’s scientific and technological advancements in climate tech are crucial not only for the country but for the planet. With continued investment, research, and collaboration, India is poised to play a leading role in global climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, setting a powerful example for other nations to follow.