Integrate 60% Renewable Energy for Cut in Emissions by One-third: Report

A report released on Thursday said that Tamil Nadu could cut its emissions by one third if 60% of renewable energy capacity is integrated by 2030.

The prominent role of energy transition would be played by Tamil Nadu, which is one of the most power-consuming States per capita in the country.

“A highly industrialized State such as Tamil Nadu, despite its growing energy requirements, can reduce emissions by 25-32% if it integrates approximately 60 percent of renewable capacity,” stated the report titled ‘Working Paper’ at the event Tamil Nadu Sustainable Energy Transformation Dialogues.

The State has both renewable and thermal capacities and plans to increase both. Sandhya Sundararagavan, WRI India, stated that it is crucial to evaluate the future capacity additions and their impact on emission levels as well as future generation mix over the medium and long term.

She said that energy planning tools can be useful in visualizing supply-demand potential, designing emission targets, and identifying various pathways to low-carbon transitions for the State.

Vikram Kapur, additional chief secretary, Tamil Nadu planning and development, stated that “We must benchmark per capita energy consumption to optimise capacity additions, and avoid redundancies.”