By India Today Auto DeskFour-wheelers, powered by diesel fuel, should be banned in all cities having a population of over 1 million and all towns with high pollution, by 2027, a committee formed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recommended.
Four-Wheelers
In its report titled ‘The Green Shift’, Energy Transition Advisory Committee (ETAC) said that diesel-driven four-wheelers may be eliminated as soon as possible.
“Therefore, a ban on diesel-powered four-wheelers in all million-plus cities and all towns with high pollution has to be enforced in five years, i.e. by 2027,” it added.
ETAC has compiled the report to draw an energy transition pathway for oil and gas public sector undertakings (PSUs). It focuses on increasing the adoption of clean energy solutions such as hydrogen, biofuel, nuclear, geothermal and tidal, in the energy mix of the country.
According to the report, four-wheelers, including passenger cars and taxis, should partially shift to electric and partially to ethanol-blended petrol with almost 50% share in each category.
Also, there should be a long-term focus (up to 10-15 years) on transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) with CNG as a transition fuel. However, vehicles with flex-fuel capabilities and hybrids can be promoted in the short and medium run.
Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers
The report said that standardisation of electric two-wheelers is required to ensure the build-up of charging infrastructure with the promotion of battery swapping.
“EVs may be promoted as the optimal solution in preparing for phasing out internal combustion engine two/three-wheelers by 2035. In the intermediate period, policy support for ethanol-blended fuel with an increasing blend ratio needs to be given,” it added.
City Buses
ETAC has suggested that no new diesel city bus should be added to the fleet in urban areas, in order to drive towards transition to clean fuel urban public transport in about 10 years.
The committee has also recommended an expedition of electric bus adoption with measures such as government purchases.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Reaction
Report of the Energy Transition Advisory Committee #ETAC has been received by the #MoPNG. The Govt. of India is yet to accept #ETAC Report.— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (@PetroleumMin) May 9, 2023
“Report of the Energy Transition Advisory Committee ETAC has been received by the MoPNG. The government of India is yet to accept the ETAC report,” the ministry tweeted.
It said that India is committed to net zero emissions by 2070. “ETAC has made wide-ranging and forward-looking recommendations for a shift to low carbon energy. ETAC has a futuristic outlook,” it added.
“The suggestions of ETAC relate to multiple ministries and a range of stakeholders, including states. Consultations with various stakeholders on the report are yet to be initiated. No decision has yet been taken on ETAC recommendations,” the ministry noted.
Keven Bayer
Isaac Tremblay
Kayleigh Rogahn