Decarbonising India’s Logistics Sector
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Economy
Source: TH
Context: India is prioritizing decarbonisation of its logistics sector as part of the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, with pilot projects like electrified highways gaining momentum.
What is Decarbonisation?
• Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across sectors by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting low-carbon technologies.
• It works by shifting from fossil fuels to renewables (solar, wind), electrifying transport, and using green fuels like hydrogen and LNG, thereby cutting carbon intensity across value chains.
Need for Decarbonising India’s Logistics Sector:
• High Emissions Share: Logistics contributes around 13.5% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport responsible for 88% (IEA, 2020).
• Energy Dependency: Nearly 90% of passenger movement and 70% of freight depend on road transport, increasing carbon footprint.
• Vision 2047 Goals: Achieving inclusive and resilient growth for Viksit Bharat needs a future-ready and eco-friendly logistics network.
• Sustainable Global Competitiveness: Green logistics will boost India’s global trade attractiveness and meet international climate obligations.
Challenges to Decarbonisation:
• Road Freight Dominance: Heavy dependence on trucks, which contribute to 38% of CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023), makes transition difficult.
• High Transition Costs: Electrification of trucks and infrastructure like e-highways require large upfront investments.
• Inland Waterways and Rail Share: Limited modal share of inland shipping and railways restricts faster low-carbon transitions.
• Warehouse Energy Use: Conventional warehousing is energy-intensive, with low penetration of renewable energy systems.
• Slow Maritime Transition: Clean fuels like LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen adoption in shipping face technological and financial barriers.
Way Ahead:
• Rail Freight Expansion: Enhance railways’ share by expanding electrified routes and freight corridors, following China’s model (50% share).
• E-highways for Trucks: Accelerate projects like the Delhi-Jaipur electric highway pilot to introduce overhead electric wires for trucks.
• Green Shipping: Invest in LNG-powered vessels, solar-assisted boats, and hydrogen fuel initiatives in inland waterways.
• Renewable Warehousing: Promote solar, wind, and geothermal energy adoption in warehouses to reduce operational carbon footprint.
• Policy Push and Incentives: Provide financial incentives for green logistics innovation and create integrated decarbonisation strategies across transport sectors.
Conclusion:
Decarbonising India’s logistics sector is essential not only for climate commitments but also for building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive economy. With strategic investments and faster execution, India can lead the global green logistics transformation by 2047.
• Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC-2022)