India keeps renewables target flexible, goal of 500 GW green energy by 2030 dropped

India dropped its target of establishing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, giving itself the flexibility of 50% power from non-fossil fuel sources by then in its commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This keeps India’s options open for new coal-based power plants in the projected 820 GW total capacity, if excess demand cannot be met from green fuels, sources told ET.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be communicated to the UNFCCC. The updated NDC proposes about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, dropping the 500 GW absolute target committed at COP26. It also did not include the commitment to reduce one billion tonnes of carbon emission by 2030.