India’s CO₂ Emissions Drop in 2025

India’s CO₂ emissions have always been a critical issue in the context of sustainable development, economic growth, and climate change. For the first time outside a crisis period like the COVID-19 lockdown, India has recorded a decline in CO₂ emissions from its electricity sector.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and UK-based Carbon Brief, India’s CO₂ emissions dropped by 1% between January and June 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

This marks a significant turning point in India’s carbon footprint, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition to clean energy.

Why Did India’s CO₂ Emissions Fall?

The analysis identifies two key factors behind the drop in India's electricity sector emissions:

1. Structural Growth in Clean Energy

• India added 25.1 GW of renewable energy capacity in the first half of 2025—a 70% rise compared to last year.

• This included solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear installations.

• As a result, fossil fuel-based power generation fell by 29 terawatt-hours, even though overall electricity demand rose.

This clearly shows that the impact of renewable energy on India’s CO₂ emissions is becoming more significant every year.

2. Reduced Electricity Demand

• A milder summer and good pre-monsoon rainfall reduced the use of air conditioning.

• Air conditioning contributes nearly 10% of India’s peak electricity demand.

• This led to lower coal consumption and thus a dip in greenhouse gases India produces from coal plants.

India’s Emission Profile: Context and Targets

• India is the third-largest CO₂ emitter in the world after China and the US.

• Historically, India’s CO₂ emissions by sector have grown steadily with economic development.

• The India carbon emissions data for 2025 shows that the electricity sector alone contributes nearly 40% of the total emissions.

National Renewable Energy Targets

• The government has set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

• As of mid-2025, India has already achieved 252 GW.

• With another 230 GW in the pipeline, India could reach 482 GW before 2030.

This raises the question: Will India meet its 2030 non-fossil energy target? The current progress indicates that the country is well on track.

Statements from Officials

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi stated:

• India installed 23 GW of clean energy capacity between April and August 2025.

• The remaining months are expected to double this figure.

• This trend suggests that India’s CO₂ emissions in the power sector may peak before 2030, much earlier than predicted.

Static Facts for SSC Exams

• Emission Drop: 1% decline (H1 2025 vs H1 2024)

• Clean Energy Added: 25.1 GW (H1 2025)

• Non-Fossil Capacity Achieved: 252 GW (as of 2025)

• Target: 500 GW by 2030

• Electricity Sector Contribution: ~40% of total India emissions 2025

Long-Term Implications

• How much CO₂ does India emit per year? Around 2.9 billion tonnes (2024 figure)

• With the current pace of India's clean energy transition, annual growth in India’s CO₂ emissions could stabilize.

• If renewable energy growth continues, India’s progress in reducing CO₂ emissions from 2025 onwards could serve as a global model for balancing growth and sustainability.

• Careful planning of India’s electricity demand and carbon emissions will be key to achieving long-term emission targets.

Possible SSC Questions

1. What percentage did India’s CO₂ emissions from the electricity sector decline in the first half of 2025?

   • (a) 0.5%

   • (b) 1% ✅

   • (c) 2%

   • (d) 5%

2. Which sector contributes the largest share of India's CO₂ emissions by sector?

   • (a) Transport

   • (b) Electricity ✅

   • (c) Agriculture

   • (d) Industry

3. What is India’s renewable energy target for 2030?

   • (a) 300 GW

   • (b) 400 GW

   • (c) 500 GW ✅

   • (d) 600 GW

4. By how much did fossil fuel-based generation fall in H1 2025?

   • (a) 15 TWh

   • (b) 20 TWh

   • (c) 29 TWh ✅

   • (d) 35 TWh

Final Thoughts

India’s CO₂ emissions have shown a rare decline in 2025, marking a positive step in the country’s fight against climate change. For the first time outside a crisis like the COVID-19 lockdown, India’s electricity sector emissions dropped by 1% in the first half of the year compared to 2024. This improvement is largely due to rapid growth in clean energy, with 25.1 GW of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear capacity added, and reduced electricity demand from a milder summer and good rainfall.

The electricity sector still contributes around 40% of India’s total greenhouse gases, making this decline a significant milestone. With India achieving 252 GW of non-fossil capacity by mid-2025 and aiming for 500 GW by 2030, the country is on track to accelerate its clean energy transition.

Analysts suggest that continued renewable growth could stabilize India’s CO₂ emissions, demonstrating how economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. This development highlights the real-world impact of policy, technology, and natural factors in shaping a greener India, offering hope for a sustainable future while balancing energy needs.