In an address at the World Leaders Summit at the U.N.’s climate change conference, COP 26, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his country’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. As India is the world’s third-largest polluter, the pledge received some criticism, with observers saying it falls 20 years short of the global net-zero goal set for 2050.
As part of the country’s commitments, Modi revealed plans to use renewable sources for 50% of its energy requirements by 2030. Currently, India relies on coal for 70% of its electricity generation, but Modi said the nation intends to increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
Additionally, India and the United Kingdom outlined a plan to create a transnational network of solar power grids. The initiative, known as One Sun One World One Grid, aims to connect 140 countries through the solar-powered electricity network, thereby reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources such as coal and enabling nations to purchase solar power from each other.