Representational Image
Kerala aims to reduce 57,000 kilotonne carbon emissions by 2030 to combat climate change. The state will coordinate projects worth Rs 52,238 crores for this. It has been also recommended to provide subsidies for electric vehicles.
The action plan proposed by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change recommended to synchronise the central and state projects for utilising non-fossil fuels, encouraging the sales of electric equipment and vehicles, and pursuing eco-friendly construction. It suggested to approach the climate funding agencies to obtain the state’s share for the project.
The government has decided to formulate policies on the basis of this latest report. The state government will take up 5 per cent of the project expenditure, while the Centre will incur 23 per cent share. The remaining expenses will be taken up by the beneficiaries of the project.
Subsidies for electric vehicles
Kerala is not providing subsidies for electric vehicles currently. The directorate has directed the government to give subsidies for eclectic vehicles with the support of climate funding agencies. Though the government had planned to escalate the number of electric vehicles to 10 lakh by 2022 in the state, the sales have crossed only 12,000 so far.
As per the purchasing rate of vehicles, over 2 crore two-wheelers, 6 lakh auto rickshaws, 1 crore cars and 1.5 lakh buses will be there in Kerala by 2030. Among these vehicles, cars contribute more to air pollution.
According to estimates, nearly 4.75 lakh electric cars will be launched in Kerala by 2030. The state will have to set up 51,000 charging stations, ensure subsidies and roll out schemes worth Rs 9208 crore to achieve this.
Interventions of at least Rs 22,792 crore are expected to curtail carbon emissions in the power sector.
Other major targets
- Rooftop solar power production- 1.1 Giga Watt
- Renewable energy production- 2.36 Giga Watt
- Transmission and distribution losses- 8.8 Giga Watt
- Solar pumps- 58,000
- At least 10 per cent of the trading or industrial structures have to be green buildings
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=a4c3a0e&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=246738b&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
