India aiming to exceed 400 GW of renewables by 2030: PM Modi

India would be looking at a renewable energy target in excess of 400 GW by 2030, implement programs to boost electric mobility, increase the proportion of the biofuel blending in petrol and diesel, and focus on the use of compressed bio gas—announced prime minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York.

“In India, we are going to increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022, and to further increase it to 450 GW,” said the prime minister.

Emphasizing climate action, PM Modi said that as a token gesture, India is also getting the United Nations greener by installing rooftop solar panels at a cost of US$ 1 million.

PM Modi talked about the success of the clean cooking gas initiative which positively impacted the lives of 150 million families, particularly women and children.

Under the Industry Transition Track, which India and Sweden co-lead with other partners as part of the Climate Action Summit, PM announced the launch of the “Leadership Group,” which will provide a platform for governments and the private sector with opportunities for cooperation in the area of technology innovation and develop low carbon pathways for the industry.

Not just fuels

Underlining that global actions to tackle climate change are not enough, PM Modi called for a comprehensive approach which places emphasis on education, values, lifestyle and developmental philosophy. He called for mass movement to bring about behavioural change.

Bringing attention towards India’s efforts in climate-sensitive sustainable development pathway, he mentioned India’s “Water Conservation Campaign” targeted at solving the water crises situation. He said that India will be spending approximately $50 billion to ensure water security.

Prime Minister also launched Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to assist countries with making their infrastructure disaster resilient. He invited all member states to join the coalition.

He also said that India has called for a people’s movement to end the use of single use plastic. He hoped that India’s efforts will help create an awareness at a global level about the harmful effects of single use plastic.

World leaders gathered in New York for the Climate Action Summit. The Summit is called by UNSG António Guterres to ramp up climate actions worldwide.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi stated “We must accept that if we have to overcome a serious challenge like climate change, then what we are doing at the moment is just not enough. What is needed today, is a comprehensive approach which covers everything from education to values, and from lifestyle to developmental philosophy.”