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121 airports across India will be carbon neutral by 2025, Aviation Minister Scindia has said. Twenty-five airports in the country use 100% green energy, while another 121 airports will be carbon neutral by 2025, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said today. Mr. Scindia made the remarks in his virtual speech at the two-day EU-India Aviation Summit. He was unable to attend the event in person after testing positive for Covid.
"The contribution of the aviation industry's emissions has come under intense scrutiny. We have taken several steps to minimize the carbon footprint and mitigate emissions from the aviation industry," he said, stating that India and the Union Union have the common goal of tackling climate change. change.
"We encourage airports to use 100% green energy by 2024 and reach net zero by 2030. 25 AAI airports are already using 100% green energy. Our goal is to make another 121 airports carbon neutral to 2025," he added. .
India has 148 operational airports, including 137 airports, 2 water airfields, and 9 heliports.
Carbon neutral airports have a zero carbon footprint and run entirely on green energy, such as hydroelectric and solar power, for all your energy needs. These airports also offset residual CO2 emissions under their direct control.
Carbon neutral airports are those that have adopted green practices on a larger scale, purchased carbon credits, and have things like wastewater recycling, solar power, LED lighting, and more that can offset carbon emissions.
The minister reported that the government has made the use of renewable energy mandatory as part of the bidding documents for upcoming airports.
"We are also working to encourage the use of sustainable aviation fuel. Indian airlines have already conducted demonstration flights using ATF-blended biofuels," he said.
Mr. Scindia also called on EU stakeholders to partner with India to develop adaptive technologies and support the aviation industry's goal of tackling emissions.
The summit, which started on Thursday, will focus on EU-India air transport relations and the challenges and opportunities shared by the two regions, such as post-Covid air traffic recovery, increasing durability, maintaining safety and development of unmanned aircraft systems.
The summit will bring together high-level policy makers, industry leaders and stakeholders from the EU and India.
The aviation minister noted that India has reformed the regulatory mechanism to promote domestic aircraft manufacturing.
“We have reformed the regulatory environment to make it as MRO-friendly as possible: we have reduced GST rates on MRO services from 18% to 5% and allowed 100% foreign direct investment in the sector. MRO guidelines for streamlining charges owed to MRO service providers for the ease of doing business.
“I urge EU industry players to seize these opportunities and be part of the fastest growing aviation market in the world,” he added.
