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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Clean tech exports hit ₹54,000 crore; green jobs projected to touch 35 million by 2047
India's clean energy economy has created over 5.1 million jobs by the end of 2022-23, up from 3.2 million in 2017-18, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.9 million jobs over five years, a new study by Climate Trends and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has found. The report also states that India's clean energy exports touched ₹54,000 crore in 2022-23, supported by rising shipments in electric vehicles, solar modules, electrolysers and energy efficiency products. The study, titled 'How Green is India's Economy?', is among the first to provide a comprehensive estimate of green job creation and export activity across sectors including solar, electric mobility, green hydrogen, energy efficiency and bioenergy. Solar and green hydrogen sectors account for bulk of clean jobs The solar energy sector accounted for 1.76 million jobs in FY23, the largest share among the five tracked clean energy segments. Green hydrogen, which has grown significantly over the last two years, employed 1.17 million people, overtaking energy efficiency (0.87 million jobs), bioenergy (0.57 million jobs), and electric mobility (0.51 million jobs). The report attributes the growth in solar employment to expanding utility-scale solar installations and the increasing footprint of rooftop solar in residential and commercial sectors. Employment in green hydrogen has grown as a result of new projects, expansion of R&D, and the ramp-up of domestic electrolyser manufacturing. Despite being in early stages, the hydrogen sector now comprises a fifth of all green employment in India. CREA and Climate Trends note that these employment figures include direct and indirect jobs—covering roles in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, logistics, supply chains, administration, and training. Exports of clean technologies cross ₹54,000 crore India's clean energy export economy has grown substantially, with total estimated exports across the five major sectors reaching ₹54,000 crore in FY23. Solar exports, comprising solar PV cells and modules, were valued at ₹9,300 crore in FY23, up from ₹6,400 crore the previous year. Exports of electric vehicles and related components amounted to ₹11,000 crore. Energy efficiency appliances, including smart meters, contributed ₹5,300 crore, while green hydrogen-related products, including electrolysers and green ammonia derivatives, accounted for ₹1,600 crore. The report estimates that energy storage systems and advanced batteries added ₹4,000 crore to India's export earnings in the same period. Bioenergy technologies, such as biomass boilers and pellet machines, were also exported, generating ₹2,300 crore in revenue. Cross-cutting products and services associated with clean technology value chains accounted for ₹20,000 crore in additional exports. Key destinations for clean tech exports Indian clean energy products were exported to a wide range of destinations, including the United States, European Union, Australia, Middle Eastern countries, and Southeast Asian markets. Indian solar modules found markets in Africa and Latin America, while hydrogen-related technologies and services were directed toward Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. EV components and batteries were primarily exported to Europe and North America. Green jobs projected to reach 35 million by 2047 The report projects that with the right policy push and sustained investments, green employment could rise to a cumulative 35 million jobs by 2047. The projection is based on India meeting its net-zero emissions goal by 2070 and aligning with decarbonisation targets through greater electrification, clean fuel transitions, and domestic manufacturing. The study argues that the fastest growth in jobs is expected in green hydrogen, EVs, battery storage, and related digital and recycling services. Jobs are also expected to grow in services that support clean energy adoption—such as grid balancing, installation, software, maintenance and repair. Employment in fossil fuel-linked sectors remains static While clean energy jobs grew 56 per cent from 2018 to 2023, employment in fossil fuel-based power generation remained nearly stagnant during the same period. The report places fossil fuel power generation jobs at around 1.1 million in FY23, nearly the same as in 2017-18. The report estimates an additional 1 million people were engaged in fossil fuel transportation and distribution (including coal logistics, fuel delivery, and OMC retail), mostly in informal or contract-based roles. Policy alignment critical for scaling up The authors of the report underline that India's climate and energy policies—such as PLI schemes, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, domestic manufacturing targets, and EV incentives—will be instrumental in furthering job creation. They also point to the need for improved job tracking, skills development and employment quality data across clean energy segments. The report was released days ahead of expected policy announcements related to India's energy transition and coincides with growing global attention on clean job creation and just transition financing in emerging economies.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Clean tech exports hit ₹54,000 crore; green jobs projected to touch 35 million by 2047
New Delhi: India's clean energy economy has created over 5.1 million jobs by the end of 2022-23, up from 3.2 million in 2017-18, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.9 million jobs over five years, a new study by Climate Trends and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has found. The report also states that India's clean energy exports touched ₹54,000 crore in 2022-23, supported by rising shipments in electric vehicles, solar modules, electrolysers and energy efficiency products. The study, titled 'How Green is India's Economy?', is among the first to provide a comprehensive estimate of green job creation and export activity across sectors including solar, electric mobility, green hydrogen, energy efficiency and bioenergy. Solar and green hydrogen sectors account for bulk of clean jobs The solar energy sector accounted for 1.76 million jobs in FY23, the largest share among the five tracked clean energy segments. Green hydrogen, which has grown significantly over the last two years, employed 1.17 million people, overtaking energy efficiency (0.87 million jobs), bioenergy (0.57 million jobs), and electric mobility (0.51 million jobs). The report attributes the growth in solar employment to expanding utility-scale solar installations and the increasing footprint of rooftop solar in residential and commercial sectors. Employment in green hydrogen has grown as a result of new projects, expansion of R&D, and the ramp-up of domestic electrolyser manufacturing. Despite being in early stages, the hydrogen sector now comprises a fifth of all green employment in India. CREA and Climate Trends note that these employment figures include direct and indirect jobs—covering roles in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, logistics, supply chains, administration, and training. Exports of clean technologies cross ₹54,000 crore India's clean energy export economy has grown substantially, with total estimated exports across the five major sectors reaching ₹54,000 crore in FY23. Solar exports, comprising solar PV cells and modules, were valued at ₹9,300 crore in FY23, up from ₹6,400 crore the previous year. Exports of electric vehicles and related components amounted to ₹11,000 crore. Energy efficiency appliances, including smart meters, contributed ₹5,300 crore, while green hydrogen-related products, including electrolysers and green ammonia derivatives, accounted for ₹1,600 crore. The report estimates that energy storage systems and advanced batteries added ₹4,000 crore to India's export earnings in the same period. Bioenergy technologies, such as biomass boilers and pellet machines, were also exported, generating ₹2,300 crore in revenue. Cross-cutting products and services associated with clean technology value chains accounted for ₹20,000 crore in additional exports. Key destinations for clean tech exports Indian clean energy products were exported to a wide range of destinations, including the United States, European Union, Australia, Middle Eastern countries, and Southeast Asian markets. Indian solar modules found markets in Africa and Latin America, while hydrogen-related technologies and services were directed toward Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. EV components and batteries were primarily exported to Europe and North America. Green jobs projected to reach 35 million by 2047 The report projects that with the right policy push and sustained investments, green employment could rise to a cumulative 35 million jobs by 2047. The projection is based on India meeting its net-zero emissions goal by 2070 and aligning with decarbonisation targets through greater electrification, clean fuel transitions, and domestic manufacturing. The study argues that the fastest growth in jobs is expected in green hydrogen, EVs, battery storage, and related digital and recycling services. Jobs are also expected to grow in services that support clean energy adoption—such as grid balancing, installation, software, maintenance and repair. Employment in fossil fuel-linked sectors remains static While clean energy jobs grew 56 per cent from 2018 to 2023, employment in fossil fuel-based power generation remained nearly stagnant during the same period. The report places fossil fuel power generation jobs at around 1.1 million in FY23, nearly the same as in 2017-18. The report estimates an additional 1 million people were engaged in fossil fuel transportation and distribution (including coal logistics, fuel delivery, and OMC retail), mostly in informal or contract-based roles. Policy alignment critical for scaling up The authors of the report underline that India's climate and energy policies—such as PLI schemes, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, domestic manufacturing targets, and EV incentives—will be instrumental in furthering job creation. They also point to the need for improved job tracking, skills development and employment quality data across clean energy segments. The report was released days ahead of expected policy announcements related to India's energy transition and coincides with growing global attention on clean job creation and just transition financing in emerging economies.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab's air pollution crisis deepens beyond stubble burning
1 2 Chandigarh: Punjab is grappling with a persistent air pollution crisis that extends far beyond seasonal events like stubble burning . Industrial hubs such as Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana, along with the holy city of Amritsar, are facing consistently poor air quality. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed worrying for the first half of 2025. From Jan to June, concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all eight monitored cities across the state consistently exceeded national safety thresholds, posing significant health risks to residents. Air quality trends of eight cities in Punjab were analysed using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These cities include Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Ropar, Bathinda, and Khanna. Mandi Gobindgarh recorded the highest average PM2.5 concentration at 62 µg/m³, well above the safe limit. Ludhiana wasn't far behind at 53 µg/m³, followed by Patiala at 46 µg/m³. Other cities like Khanna (45 µg/m³), Amritsar (44 µg/m³), and Jalandhar (42 µg/m³) also showed concerningly high pollution levels. Even cities with relatively lower readings, such as Ropar and Bathinda (both at 41 µg/m³), remained above the safe limits. Ludhiana's six-month average PM2.5 of 53 µg/m³ is significantly higher than the safe limit of 40 µg/m³, indicating potential severe health impacts for its residents. Experts stress that the composition of PM2.5 is considerably more dangerous to human health than PM10 due to its smaller size, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the lungs. PM10 levels across Punjab cities during the first half of 2025 remained consistently high. Mandi Gobindgarh once again topped the list with an average of 116 µg/m³. Ludhiana registered 104 µg/m³, while Rupnagar (99 µg/m³), Jalandhar (98 µg/m³), and Patiala (96 µg/m³) reported similarly elevated levels. Amritsar (90 µg/m³), Bathinda (87 µg/m³), and Khanna (85 µg/m³) also remained well above the national annual standard of 60 µg/m³. In Ludhiana, PM10 levels were above National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 100 out of 181 monitored days. Mandi Gobindgarh, once called the 'Steel Town of India', is now confronting environmental consequences. The very factory chimneys that were once symbols of prosperity are now emitting vast quantities of fine particulate matter, effectively turning industrial growth into a significant pollution problem for the region. Similarly, Ludhiana, the state's largest industrial hub, is experiencing a significant air quality problem. Its economic activity generates substantial industrial emissions, and this, combined with pollution from vehicles and waste burning, is leading to a noticeable decline in air quality. "High pollution levels were recorded even before the usual stubble burning season. This shows that the bad air quality is a continuous and worsening problem, not just something that happens at certain times of the year," said Gurpreet Kaur, state lead of 'Clean Air Punjab'. "This data is a stark reminder that air pollution in Punjab is not just a stubble-burning issue — it's a year-round public health emergency. We urgently need to invest in clean industries, clean transport, and stronger local action plans tailored to each city's realities. The health impacts of long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5, which penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, are well-established," she added. AIR QUALITY FIGURES (JAN-JUN 2025) Mandi Gobindgarh: PM2.5: 62 µg/m³ (Highest) PM10: 116 µg/m³ (Highest) Ludhiana: PM2.5: 53 µg/m³ PM10: 104 µg/m³ Patiala: PM2.5: 46 µg/m³ PM10: 96 µg/m³ Khanna: PM2.5: 45 µg/m³ PM10: 85 µg/m³ Amritsar: PM2.5: 44 µg/m³ PM10: 90 µg/m³ Jalandhar: PM2.5: 42 µg/m³ PM10: 98 µg/m³ Ropar: PM2.5: 41 µg/m³ PM10: 99 µg/m³ Bathinda: PM2.5: 41 µg/m³ PM10: 87 µg/m³
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Russia oil squeeze: Trump's 100% tariff threat - should India panic?
Penalty tariffs by the US would mean that Russia's crude oil imports would no longer be a lucrative option for India. US President Donald Trump's fresh threat of 100% secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia poses an important question - will India's crude oil supply be hit? At present, India and China are the main purchasers of Russian oil. India relies heavily on imported crude oil, with over 85% of its requirements being met through imports. This crude oil is processed in refineries to produce various fuels, including petrol and diesel. "We're very, very unhappy with (Russia). And we're going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a (Ukraine peace) deal in 50 days. Tariffs at about 100%, you'd call them secondary tariffs," Trump said earlier this week. The secondary tariffs, if the threat materializes, would impose a 100% tariff on products entering the US from countries conducting trade with Russia. Also Read | India-US trade deal: India receptive to imports of GM farm products used in animal feed? Mini deal in works as Trump deadline nears In 2019, India stopped its oil imports from Iran when Trump, whilst serving his first presidential term, warned of implementing secondary sanctions against Iranian oil purchasers. Despite similar threats, China persists with its Iranian oil purchases without facing consequences. But what does this sanction threat by Trump, and even NATO, mean for India? And should India be worried? India's Crude Oil Imports From Russia: Top Facts Whilst the Middle East historically served as the primary source for India's crude oil imports, Russia has emerged as the dominant supplier since 2022. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries largely boycotted Russian crude oil. Subsequently, Russia offered substantial discounts on its crude to secure new buyers. Indian refineries took advantage of these discounted rates, transforming Russia from a minor supplier into India's principal source of crude oil, surpassing the traditional West Asian suppliers. Who bought Russia's fossil fuels in June 2025? According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CERA) analysis, since the ban on Russian oil, China has bought 47% of Russia's crude exports, followed by India (38%), the EU (6%), and Turkiye (6%). In FY22, Russia made up just 2.1% of India's oil imports. Come financial year 2024-25, Russia's share in India's value of oil imports is a staggering 35.1% In FY22, India bought $2,256 million of Russian oil - three years later that number stands at a whopping $50,285 million! According to vessel tracking data from global commodity market analytics firm Kpler, India's Russian crude imports reached 2.08 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, marking the highest level since July 2024. India's worldwide crude oil imports declined 6% during June, yet Russian shipments increased by 8% compared to the previous month. According to CERA, three Indian refineries, which also supply processed petroleum products to G7+ nations, accounted for over 50% of these Russian oil purchases. What Will Be The Impact Of Sanctions on India? Penalty tariffs by the US would mean that Russia's crude oil imports would no longer be a lucrative option for India. The increased cost of exporting goods to the US would far outweigh any benefits of discounts offered by Russia for crude oil purchase. In fact, Russia's discounts on crude oil sold to India have also come down gradually. According to Western media reports, the secondary tariffs would have broader implications for India, affecting all merchandise exports from the purchasing country, rather than the current system where penalties are limited to entities conducting business with sanctioned Russian organisations. Discount of Urals oil prices to Brent over time Indian refiners may need to return to their conventional West Asian suppliers and explore new sources like Brazil to compensate for the reduction in Russian oil imports. However, these alternative supplies would be costlier, with prices approximately $4-5 per barrel higher, according to a TOI report. The government had sought assistance from two major West Asian nations to secure oil supplies through alternative routes when concerns arose about potential disruptions in shipping via the Strait of Hormuz during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. According to industry experts, Indian refiners are expected to maximise their purchases of discounted Russian crude before the deadline, similar to their strategy during the Israel-Iran tensions, whilst simultaneously securing alternative supply arrangements. Should India Be Worried? Simply put, No! Gaurav Moda, Partner and Leader, Energy Sector, EY-Parthenon India is of the view that India's three-pronged strategy in the last few years will work in its favour, keeping it relatively insulated from any major oil supply shock. Firstly, we have diversified our crude oil procurement markets to beyond OPEC ++. This has helped bring certainty in oil supply for India, Gaurav Modi tells TOI. 'Secondly, over the last few years India has been building strategic oil reserves both domestically and leasing oil reserves. Thirdly, OMCs have also been storing anywhere between 15 days to 3 months of oil reserves,' he said. 'These three steps make India relatively less vulnerable to any oil supply issues caused by geopolitical tensions,' he explained. India is already signalling growing affinity to crude oil imports from various countries. India's crude oil imports from the United States increased by more than 50% during the first half of 2025 in comparison to H1 2024, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data. Additionally, imports from Brazil saw an 80% rise during the same timeframe. This indicates Indian refiners' increasing preference for non-OPEC crude sources as the country aims to diversify its supply channels. Also Read | Trump, NATO tariff threat on Russia's crude oil: India not worried about sanctions, says Hardeep Puri; 'if something happens, we'll…' The renewed diplomatic engagement with the current US administration has also sparked a fresh interest amongst Indian buyers for American crude oil supplies. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has also dismissed fears of likely impact on India if Russian oil supply is choked through secondary tariffs. 'I'm not worried at all. If something happens, we'll deal with it," Puri has said. "India has diversified the sources of supply and we have gone, I think, from about 27 countries that we used to buy from to about 40 countries now," he said. Will The US Threat Come Through? Interestingly, Indian oil industry officials interpret US President Donald Trump's warning of imposing 100% secondary tariffs on Russia as a strategic negotiation move, believing it would have minimal actual impact on worldwide oil trade or India's Russian crude purchases. Oil refinery executives are of the view that the tariffs would harm the US as well. If enacted, it would potentially block Russia from participating in the global oil trade, causing oil prices to surge beyond $120 per barrel. This would contradict Trump's objectives of maintaining low energy costs and could trigger worldwide inflation, they say. Also Read | Trump tariff war: Deal or no deal - why it won't matter much for India Oil industry leaders told ET that imposing 100% tariffs on India and China for their Russian oil purchases could backfire, as elevated import costs from these countries would in turn affect US consumers in terms of higher prices and create political challenges for Trump's administration. "This whole tariff game is about Trump trying to strike deals with countries, including Russia, not about disrupting energy trade or dealing with high inflation at home," an executive told ET. Russia maintains significant oil export volumes, shipping approximately 4.5-5.0 million barrels per day (mbd) of crude oil, constituting about 5% of global consumption. Additionally, the country supplies roughly 2 mbd of processed petroleum products to international markets. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
15-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Trump wields tariffs to sway Putin on Ukraine. Heres how they might work, or not
WASHINGTON — Russian President Vladimir Putin has sacrificed an estimated 1 million of his soldiers, killed and wounded, in a three-year campaign to crush Ukraine. Now President Donald Trump is betting that his go-to economic weapon — tariffs — can succeed where Ukrainian drones and rockets haven't, and finally persuade Putin to end his war. Tariffs, which the U.S. president has called ' the most beautiful word in the dictionary,'' are taxes on imports. They are Trump's all-purpose fix — a tool he deploys to protect American industry, lure factories to the United States, tackle drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and raise money to pay for his massive tax cuts. On the campaign trail last year, Trump promised he'd negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 24 hours. But months have passed without a peace deal, and the president has recently expressed frustration with the Russians. 'We're very, very unhappy with them ... I thought we would have had a deal two months ago, but it doesn't seem to get there,' Trump told reporters Monday. So in addition to agreeing to send more weapons to Ukraine, he's once again unsheathing tariffs. He said Monday the U.S. would impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, natural gas and other products if there isn't a peace deal in 50 days. The levies are meant to cause Russia financial pain by making its trading partners think twice before buying Russian energy. 'I use trade for a lot of things,'' Trump said, "but it's great for settling wars.' Trump did not spell out exactly how these "secondary'' tariffs would work, and trade analysts are skeptical. 'Unilateral tariffs are likely to be ineffective in influencing Putin's actions,' said Douglas Irwin, a Dartmouth College economist who studies American trade policy. "Financial sanctions in cooperation with European and other allies are much more likely to damage Russian economy, but whether they soften Russia's approach is also uncertain.'' The secondary tariffs idea isn't new. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut earlier this year introduced legislation that would impose a 500% tariff on countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products and uranium. If Trump goes through with his threat, his 100% tariffs have the potential to disrupt global commerce and push oil prices higher. They might also complicate Trump's efforts to strike separate trade deals with countries like China and India. Since December 2022, when the European Union banned Russian oil, China and India have bought 85% of Russia's crude oil exports and 63% of its coal, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a Finnish nonprofit. So they would likely be the two countries most affected by Trump's 100% import taxes. Trump has already tangled with China this year, and things did not go well. In April, Trump plastered a 145% levy on Chinese imports, and Beijing counterpunched with 125% tariffs of its own. The triple-digit tariffs threatened to end trade between the world's two biggest economies and briefly sent financial markets reeling. China also withheld shipments of rare earth minerals used in products such as electric vehicles and wind turbines, crippling U.S. businesses. After showing how much pain they could inflict on each other, the United States and China agreed to a ceasefire. A new 100% secondary tariff 'would blow up that deal,' said Gary Hufbauer, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. 'China is particularly well-placed to hold out,' said Nicholas Mulder, a Cornell University historian. "All this would get us back to a position of full confrontation that would be uncomfortable for all sides.'' Hufbauer also noted that the secondary tariffs would also likely end 'any rapprochement with India'' — the world's fifth-biggest economy and one with which Trump is pursuing a trade deal. If Trump goes ahead with the tariffs, 'it would invariably lead to higher global energy prices,'' especially for natural gas, economists Kieran Tompkins and Liam Peach of Capital Economics wrote in a commentary Monday. Other oil-exporting countries have enough spare capacity to ramp up production and offset any loss of Russian oil exports in global market. But if they did, the world would have no buffer to rely on if there were an oil shock caused by, say, conflict in the Middle East — and prices could skyrocket. 'Removing that spare capacity would be akin to riding a bike with no shock absorbers,'' Tompkins and Peach wrote. After Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States and its allies slammed Russia with sanctions. Among other things, the U.S. froze the assets of Russia's central bank and barred some Russian banks from using a key international payments system run by Belgium. With its allies from the Group of Seven rich nations, it also capped the price that importers could pay for Russian oil. The sanctions were expected to crush the Russian economy, but they didn't. Putin put Russia on a wartime budget, and high defense spending kept unemployment low. Military recruits were given big sign-up bonuses and the families of the fallen received death benefits, pumping income into some of Russia's poorer regions. To keep its oil sales going, Russia deployed "shadow fleets,'' hundreds of aging tankers of uncertain ownership and dodgy safety practices that delivered oil priced above the G7 price cap. 'The experience of the G7 oil price cap against Russia showed how challenging the enforcement of measures against the Russian oil trade can be,' Mulder said. Last year, the Russian economy grew 4.1%, according to the International Monetary Fund. But strains are showing, partly because Putin' war has made Russia a pariah to foreign investors. The IMF forecasts growth will decelerate to 1.5% this year, and last month the Russian economy minister warned the country is "on the brink of going into a recession.'' Trump's tariffs could increase the pressure, in part by driving down Russia's energy exports — and the revenue the Russian government collects from an energy tax. 'To my knowledge, tariffs have never been applied as an explicit anti-aggression measure,' said Mulder, author of a 2022 history of economic sanctions. "I am skeptical that the secondary tariffs threat will be effective.'' For one thing, he said, it's unclear whether Trump will actually impose them after 50 days. The president has repeatedly announced tariffs against other countries, and then sometimes suspended or tweaked them. For another, the secondary tariffs would target countries — namely China and India — that might have some sway in Moscow. 'The United States needs cooperation and collaboration to bring Russia to the negotiating table,' said Cullen Hendrix, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute. "Threatening to harm the actors who actually have leverage over Moscow may backfire.'' writers Katie Davies in Manchester, England, and Chris Megerian in Washington, contributed to this report. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
