India’s venture into the ‘Amrit Kaal’ is pillared by its vision of a sustainable economy for the country titled India@100 aims to achieve $20 Trillion by 2047. Transitioning to greener fuels, energy technologies is one of the most important facets of building a sustainable economy. According to the COP27 report, India’s carbon emissions are projected to increase by 6% and therefore given commitment at COP26 to reduce its carbon footprint and work in the area of energy efficiency and renewable. With its immense renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, and hydropower, India’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2070. As per the International Renewable Energy Agency, India has the potential to generate 890 GW of solar power and 145 GW of wind power by 2030 contributing to its net zero goal of 2070.

By 2030 India aims to reach a reduced carbon emission of about 1 billion metric tons as part of the country’s green energy transition initiative. One of the key focus areas in this journey of the next 25 years would be sustainable resourcing and utilization of critical minerals, especially copper which is a key ingredient to energy efficiency and renewable. Many sustainable solutions in areas from climate change and public health to electric vehicles—rely on copper and its unique properties. Copper connects broadly and critically with the global sustainable development agenda and helps reduce CO2 emissions and lowers the amount energy needed to produce electricity.

Copper, as a metal, will play an indispensable role in the clean energy transition and considering its high electrical and thermal conductivity, it can be listed as an essential material for energy-efficient technologies. Currently used in electric wiring, motors, transformers, construction, transportation- electric vehicles, energy storage and other green technologies, copper is also used extensively in renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar plants & rooftop systems. Copper is recognized as a critical metal component in India’s transition to clean energy, as it enables efficient generation, storage, and utilization use of energy, promoting sustainability and recyclability.

The International Copper Association, India (ICA, India), has enlisted and committed itself to several initiatives to create wider awareness about the significant role of copper in helping achieve net zero goals. ICA India aims to help India reduce its carbon footprint by bringing to light & promoting sustainable technologies, solutions, practices such as equipment electrification, decarbonization of transport, the use of alternative fuels, and energy-efficient measures. As an organization it collaborates with government agencies, industry associations, and other stakeholders to develop policies and programs to support the adoption of clean energy technologies.