Carbon Footprint Estimation of an Indian Thermal Power Plant …
95
contrary, the indirect emissions are related to the other non-operational phases of the
life cycle. The largest carbon footprints have been estimated from fossil-fuelled technologies based on coal, oil, gas combustion. Carbon footprint (CF) is recognized as a
method of evaluating carbon emissions in quantitative terms (expressed in tCO 2 e) to
respond to the increasing concern about climate change. One of the most important
contributors towards GHG emissions is power plants generating electricity by fossil
fuel like coal and oil. The smaller and older plants built before modern emission
standards are the worst performers.
In the year 2018, it was observed that global atmospheric concentrations of carbon
dioxide increased by 1.7%, which is 70% higher than the standard increase witnessed
after 2010. According to IPCC, it has been found that 37% of the global emissions
account to electricity production. It has been estimated that over the next 20 years, the
electricity demand may increase by 43% [3]. An impressive growth from 1,713 MW
to 344002.39 MW in the last few decades has been documented in the power generation sector in India. The major share of electricity generation can be attributed to
coal-based thermal power plant, which generates a total of 197171.5 MW [1]. Hence,
improvement in thermal efficiency of power plants may reduce CO 2 emissions in the
country, which has become the need of the hour [1].
Joe Phelan, the India Director of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) believes that India has the potential to lead the inevitable transformation of the present business-as-usual scenario to net zero GHG emissions by 2050
and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But to exercise
a limit on global warming to 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels require an amalgamation between transformative systemic changes and sustainable development. To
achieve this 1.5° target and for maintaining peace and prosperity of the people and
the planet now, and in future, all United Nations Member States in 2015 implemented the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda constitute of 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and appeal for action from both developed
and developing countries to achieve these SDGs] (United Nations)] [4].
The 1.5 °C pathways specify strong synergies, particularly for the SDG 3 (Good
health & wellbeing); SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (responsible
consumption and production) and 14 (Life below water) These SDGs are considered
to be of very high confidence. For SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG
6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 13
(Climate Action), there is a danger of adverse effect from rigid mitigation actions
compatible with 1.5 °C of warming. This demands unmatched liaison and initiative
among businesses, investors and government [5]. Furthermore, the demand for energy
is supposed to get doubled by 2040 due to increasing appliance ownership and cooling
needs [6]. In this given scenario, Indian companies need to take up proactive role to
focus on eco-efficiency and achieve SDGs, which is considered to be the first step
towards ‘Strong’ Sustainable Development. In this given scenario growing number
of companies are trying to adopt strategies compatible with SDGs and to support
some or all of the SDGs. Companies are expected to show how far their existing
product or service contributes towards supporting SDGs.
95
contrary, the indirect emissions are related to the other non-operational phases of the
life cycle. The largest carbon footprints have been estimated from fossil-fuelled technologies based on coal, oil, gas combustion. Carbon footprint (CF) is recognized as a
method of evaluating carbon emissions in quantitative terms (expressed in tCO 2 e) to
respond to the increasing concern about climate change. One of the most important
contributors towards GHG emissions is power plants generating electricity by fossil
fuel like coal and oil. The smaller and older plants built before modern emission
standards are the worst performers.
In the year 2018, it was observed that global atmospheric concentrations of carbon
dioxide increased by 1.7%, which is 70% higher than the standard increase witnessed
after 2010. According to IPCC, it has been found that 37% of the global emissions
account to electricity production. It has been estimated that over the next 20 years, the
electricity demand may increase by 43% [3]. An impressive growth from 1,713 MW
to 344002.39 MW in the last few decades has been documented in the power generation sector in India. The major share of electricity generation can be attributed to
coal-based thermal power plant, which generates a total of 197171.5 MW [1]. Hence,
improvement in thermal efficiency of power plants may reduce CO 2 emissions in the
country, which has become the need of the hour [1].
Joe Phelan, the India Director of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) believes that India has the potential to lead the inevitable transformation of the present business-as-usual scenario to net zero GHG emissions by 2050
and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But to exercise
a limit on global warming to 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels require an amalgamation between transformative systemic changes and sustainable development. To
achieve this 1.5° target and for maintaining peace and prosperity of the people and
the planet now, and in future, all United Nations Member States in 2015 implemented the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda constitute of 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and appeal for action from both developed
and developing countries to achieve these SDGs] (United Nations)] [4].
The 1.5 °C pathways specify strong synergies, particularly for the SDG 3 (Good
health & wellbeing); SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (responsible
consumption and production) and 14 (Life below water) These SDGs are considered
to be of very high confidence. For SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG
6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 13
(Climate Action), there is a danger of adverse effect from rigid mitigation actions
compatible with 1.5 °C of warming. This demands unmatched liaison and initiative
among businesses, investors and government [5]. Furthermore, the demand for energy
is supposed to get doubled by 2040 due to increasing appliance ownership and cooling
needs [6]. In this given scenario, Indian companies need to take up proactive role to
focus on eco-efficiency and achieve SDGs, which is considered to be the first step
towards ‘Strong’ Sustainable Development. In this given scenario growing number
of companies are trying to adopt strategies compatible with SDGs and to support
some or all of the SDGs. Companies are expected to show how far their existing
product or service contributes towards supporting SDGs.