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The Print
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
UP govt to implement Carbon Credit Finance Scheme for farmers' economic well-being
In the next phase, the government is set to disburse Rs 25.45 lakh to 401 more farmers, with the process officially initiated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the state-wide plantation drive in Ayodhya Dham. So far, Rs 49.55 lakh has already been distributed to 244 farmers under the scheme, said a press statement. Lucknow, Jul 10 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government is implementing the Carbon Credit Finance Scheme to promote environmental protection and strengthen the economic well-being of farmers. Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to implement such a model. The farmers from Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad and Saharanpur divisions have been included in the first phase. Through agroforestry, these farmers have collectively generated an estimated 42.19 lakh carbon credits. At the rate of $6 per carbon credit, the distribution takes place every five years, said the statement. The farmers selected under this phase include those from Badaun, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, and Bareilly (Bareilly division); Bijnor, Najibabad, Sambhal, Rampur (Moradabad division); Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Hapur and rural areas of Rampur (Meerut division). In Gorakhpur division, the districts of Deoria, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur are included, while the districts of Hardoi, South Kheri , Raebareli, Sitapur and Unnao are covered in Lucknow division. In the second phase, the scheme will be extended to Devi Patan, Ayodhya, Jhansi, Mirzapur, Kanpur, Varanasi and Aligarh divisions, and eventually rolled out across the entire state in phase three. The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Under this model, one carbon credit is issued for every metric ton of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases absorbed from the atmosphere. The scheme not only supports India's climate goals, but it also enhances farmers' income. By participating in this programme, the farmers can earn Rs 250 to Rs 350 per tree apart from the standard market price of the tree. The scheme aligns with the Government of India's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 and stands as a landmark step toward that vision. PTI CDN AS AS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
Explained: What's contributing to record-breaking heat in Kashmir
Kashmir, popular for its pleasant weather, witnessed a record-breaking heat recently. Though rainfall on Monday brought some respite from the scorching heat across the Valley. However, experts are analysing factors that are contributing to the rise in temperature in the region. "Overall temperatures have been rising worldwide, and in India, we are seeing increases in both maximum and minimum temperatures and increases in temperatures across seasons," Suruchi Bhadwal, Senior Fellow and Director, Climate Change and Air Quality Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation Expert at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), told NDTV. Ms Bhadwal said that Kashmir is experiencing the same trend, as a rise in temperatures will be observed. There will be years with extremes of exceeding temperatures. From climate change to environmental degradation, several factors are responsible for the intense heat. Rising global temperatures are contributing to the heatwave, with temperatures increasing by around 6 degrees Celsius in Kashmir. Deforestation, vandalism of water bodies, and unplanned urbanisation have contributed to the increased temperatures. A prolonged dry spell has also led to a 50% rainfall deficit, triggering the heatwave and impacting agriculture, particularly paddy crops. Meanwhile, reduced snowfall in the mountains has dried up autoconvective rainfalls, which would normally bring relief from the heat. Climate change has also impacted agriculture. In the Kashmir region, all crops are sensitive to a rise in temperatures, especially maize, saffron and apple crops. How does urbanisation contribute to the Urban Heat Island effect? Cities like Srinagar within Kashmir have both open spaces and habited locations. Ms Bhadwal said, "Localised effects could be due to deforestation and increased population densities. The UHI is largely prevalent in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata - highly urbanised, concretised." What measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of heatwaves in Kashmir? Ms Bhadwal said that it's the same as other cities. "Identify vulnerable target groups" likely to be the most affected, avoid outdoor activities in peak hours, stagger work hours from peak hours, stay hydrated, walk outdoors in the protection of an umbrella or shade, stay in cooled environments, keep indoor environment cooled within houses." Impact of heatwave Kashmir's ecosystem The heatwave has severe implications for Kashmir's ecosystem: Water Scarcity: The Jhelum River, Kashmir's lifeline, has dried up significantly, affecting agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. Food Security: Paddy fields are drying up, and apple production is likely to be impacted due to water scarcity. Health Concerns: The heatwave poses serious health risks, particularly for students and staff in schools without proper ventilation or cooling mechanisms.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSME hubs to cut carbon emission by 4mn+ tonnes
Mumbai: As the world marked World MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) Day on Jun 27, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from India's MSME sector are projected to increase from approximately 30 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2016–17 to over 72 MtCO₂e by 2029–30, more than doubling in just over a decade, data from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recognising this, Maharashtra's State Energy Efficiency Action Plan (SEEAP) has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by up to 55.15 million metric tonnes of CO₂ by 2031 through comprehensive energy efficiency and de-carbonisation measures. The plan, said Asar, a social impaction advisory forum focused on environmental and social issues, emphasises a cluster-based approach—targeting hubs like Pune Forging, Kolhapur Foundry, and Bhiwandi Textile—using mandatory energy audits, technology upgrades, and policy incentives to maximise energy savings and achieve emissions reductions of over 4.05 million metric tonnes of CO₂ by 2031. This emission reduction will be equivalent to taking nearly 9 lakh cars off the road for a year or eliminating the annual emissions from burning 2 million tonnes of coal, Asar pointed out. The state accounts for 17% of all MSMEs in India, with over 82.63 lakh registered units engaged across a range of sectors, including automotive components, general engineering, electronics, textiles, and metals. These enterprises generate approximately 40% of the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and provide livelihoods to over 1.3 crore people. However, many of these units, especially those in metal casting and foundry operations (melting and casting metal for vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure), continue to rely on high-emission fuels such as coke and coal, and have yet to fully benefit from energy efficiency tools or emissions tracking mechanisms. In Maharashtra, an estimated 8,259 MSME units are operating in the secondary steel and foundry sector alone. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Collectively, they are estimated to consume 11.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in energy annually and emit 58 MtCO₂, as per data reported through Sameeeksha, India's energy efficiency platform for MSMEs. "Foundries are indispensable to India's manufacturing economy, which boasts the world's second-largest foundry sector, but they're also incredibly hard to decarbonise," said Rahul Patil, chairman, Indian Institute of Foundrymen - Kolhapur.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PM solar scheme faces hurdles in six states despite national rooftop solar push
Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana ( PMSGY ) beneficiaries are facing biggest hurdles in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal, with less than 5 per cent applications resulting in installations. The scheme is facing major challenges in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh as well, according to official data. These six states have performed much below the national conversion rate of 24.4 per cent under the scheme which has led to 1.14 million rooftop solar installations across the country till date. The absence of easy financing, despite directives issued by the Centre, is a major bottleneck hindering PMSGY implementation, said experts. Another key reason, according to them, is the lack of trained technicians, which has resulted in poor application to installation conversion rate in the eastern and north-eastern states. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan account for 78 per cent of rooftop solar installations in India. With a 75.7 per cent conversion rate, Gujarat has the highest efficiency with regard to PMSGY implementation. "High conversion rates indicate effective policy implementation and consumer awareness," said a study by The Energy and Resources Institute ( TERI ). The Centre approved a ₹75,021 crore outlay for PMSGY in February 2024. It aims to provide up to 300 units of electricity for free to 10 million Indian households which opt to install rooftop solar generation projects. The scheme offers 60 per cent subsidy on the cost of rooftop solar projects (up to 2 kW capacity) and 40 per cent of additional system cost for those with 2-3 kW capacity. "Bank loan is one of the major hurdles for marginalised segments seeking benefits under PMSGY as it is taking more time than envisaged," Alekhya Datta, associate director, electricity and renewables division, TERI, told ET.
Gulf Today
17-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
India's solar potential could far exceed previous assessments
A recent study estimates that India's total solar potential could reach 10,830 gigawatts (GW), far exceeding previous assessments and identifies new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. A reassessment by the Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has unveiled that this potential is nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report titled, 'Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-level Study', aims to offer a renewed perspective on the country's solar energy potential. The study identifies untapped solar avenues critical to achieving India's 2070 net-zero goal and advancing its Paris Agreement commitments, according to a TERI press release. These are new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. The TERI reassessment covers a wide range of categories, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) on barren and unculturable land with an estimated potential of 4,909 GW, floating solar PV with 100 GW, rural and urban rooftop solar PV with a combined potential of 960 GW, agri-PV for horticulture crops, coffee, and tea plantations with 4177 GW, the press release adds. As stated in a TERI policy brief, India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were updated in August 2022, setting the target of reduction of emission intensity by 45% by 2030, over the 2005 level, and achieving about 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil-based energy resources by 2030, and reaching net-zero by 2070. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the significant role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5000 TWh by 2050. It is well recognised now that solar power will form a major share of the clean energy mix in the country. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India in 2014, estimated India's solar potential at 748 GW, based on considering three per cent of wastelands for calculating solar potential. However, considering the growing demand, the advent of new solar applications, and the limitation posed by the assessed potential, there is a need to revisit the assumption forming the basis of the potential estimation, the TERI policy brief adds. The brief highlights that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the major role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 20501. Furthermore, as another TERI discussion paper, 'India's Journey to Net Zero: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis', projects that India's electricity consumption could grow five to six times, eventually peaking at levels comparable to the present levels of consumption in the European Union (EU) – equivalent to a per capita consumption of 6687 kWh or a total consumption of approximately 9362 TWh. This highlights the critical role of solar energy in decarbonizing India's power sector. Beyond this point, electricity consumption is expected to plateau. The reassessment study by TERI revisits the solar potential of conventional areas like barren and unculturable lands and explores additional avenues to increase the country's solar potential estimates. Based on literature review and macro analysis through various assumptions made by the authors, the study re-evaluates the country's solar potential. The categories considered and their estimated solar potential, based on the norm of three acres per MW for ground mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable and floating solar PV. The study finds that ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The TERI report comes at a critical juncture as India accelerates its transition to clean energy in line with its updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, the press release says. It adds that by highlighting underutilized and non-traditional solar applications, this report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to support a just and scalable energy transition.
