Net zero goal needs to be achieved in every sector: Abhay Bakre

Mangaluru: Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Abhay Bakre, said the net zero goal needs to be achieved in every sector to live in harmony with nature.Speaking during ‘MIR Net Zero Vision 2047' summit held at TMA Pai Convention Centre here on Friday, he said: "With abundant sunshine and water resources, India can produce green fuel economically. The net zero target is achievable and practical in India. Buildings, educational campuses, industries and public transport hubs can undergo transition by introducing solar, wind and biomass energy. BEE issued guidelines for net zero buildings, and even the ministry's office operates as a net zero facility. Green hydrogen is the next frontier that can replace fossil fuels," he said.
Green hydrogen can be blended with piped natural gas for domestic cooking. Pilot projects are under way to achieve this goal. There is a need for scaling up technologies and investment to generate jobs, reduce fossil fuel imports and strengthen India's energy security. Ultimately, these measures will pave the way for a net zero future, he added.Stating that civilisations functioned without fossil fuels centuries ago, Bakre said humans relied entirely on renewable energy. India's solar installed capacity crossed over 130 gigawatts. PM-Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar and PM Kusum Yojana are supporting the net zero goal through the adoption of renewable energy, he said.MIR Group CEO Raffaele Marrazzo said MIR believes in sustainable urban regeneration. "We need to protect our environmental resources, manage waste effectively, and transition to clean energy. This will help us create sustainable income and jobs, advance a circular economy, and significantly reduce our environmental impact. Italy worked with the European community for years to achieve the net zero energy goals for 2050. MIR Group is committed to reducing the planet's ecological footprint by prioritising renewable plant-based material produced locally, reducing the use of plastic and employing it only where it serves a specific purpose, and using renewable energy sources," he added.Sringeri MLA and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) chairman T D Raje Gowda said the state increased its wind power capacity by 1,331.5 megawatts (MW), securing the state first place in the country for its wind power capacity addition in the financial year 2024-25. Karnataka took several initiatives towards the national commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, he said.DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that an elevated corridor is proposed from Nanthoor to Kuloor and from KIOCL junction to Baikampady to decongest the national highway in the city.Consulate-General, Italy, Giandomenico Milano, MSEZ CEO Sooryanarayana V, DC Darshan H V, and others were present.