The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12–13, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, featured an engaging panel discussion on “Future-Proofing High-Emission Sectors”, where policymakers, industry leaders, and infrastructure experts explored strategies to accelerate decarbonisation across India’s most carbon-intensive sectors.
The session was moderated by Utkarsh Patel, Associate Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), New Delhi. The panel brought together Manu G, Airport Director, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE); Sanjay Kumar, Director Systems, Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL); and Parivesh Chugh, Executive Director – Sustainable Development & Renewables, GAIL (India) Limited.
The discussion focused on how clean energy technologies, energy efficiency, policy interventions, and infrastructure innovation can help India reduce emissions while supporting economic growth.
Decarbonisation Essential for India’s Net-Zero Vision
Panelists agreed that achieving India’s target of net-zero emissions by 2070 will require coordinated efforts across industries, transport systems, urban infrastructure, and public institutions.
Hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, fertilisers, aviation, and heavy transport continue to account for a significant share of industrial emissions, making technological innovation and cleaner fuels essential for long-term decarbonisation.
The experts emphasised that green hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency measures will play a crucial role in transforming these sectors.
GAIL Expanding Clean Energy Solutions
Speaking during the discussion, Parivesh Chugh highlighted GAIL’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions by expanding natural gas infrastructure while simultaneously investing in emerging clean energy technologies.
He noted that although natural gas serves as a cleaner transition fuel compared to conventional fossil fuels, the company is actively exploring green hydrogen and fuel-cell-based solutions for future energy applications.
Pilot projects are already underway to evaluate hydrogen’s commercial viability and its potential to support industrial decarbonisation.
Kochi Metro Demonstrates Sustainable Urban Mobility
Sharing Kochi Metro’s sustainability initiatives, Sanjay Kumar explained how renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies have become central to the metro’s operations.
A significant share of the metro’s electricity requirements is now being met through solar power generation, while regenerative braking systems help recover energy during train operations, reducing overall electricity consumption.
The metro has also strengthened sustainable last-mile connectivity through electric buses and e-rickshaws while incorporating green building standards across its stations.
Cochin International Airport Sets Global Sustainability Benchmark
Manu G highlighted Cochin International Airport’s globally recognised achievement as one of the world’s first airports powered entirely by solar energy.
He discussed several innovative initiatives undertaken by the airport, including the use of floating solar power plants that generate clean electricity while optimising land use and improving operational efficiency.
The airport’s sustainability initiatives demonstrate how renewable energy can be successfully integrated into critical infrastructure without compromising operational performance.
Energy Efficiency Remains a Key Priority
Ashok Kumar from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) emphasised that improving energy efficiency across industries, buildings, appliances, and transport systems remains one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions.
He discussed ongoing policy initiatives aimed at promoting efficient technologies, standardisation, energy labelling, and emerging carbon market mechanisms designed to encourage industries to adopt cleaner production practices.
According to the panel, regulatory support and market-based mechanisms will become increasingly important as India advances towards a low-carbon economy.
Collaboration and Policy Will Drive the Transition
The discussion concluded with the consensus that decarbonising high-emission sectors will require close collaboration between government agencies, industry, technology developers, research institutions, and financial stakeholders.
Participants stressed the importance of supportive policy frameworks, investment in innovation, digital technologies, renewable energy infrastructure, and clean fuels such as green hydrogen to accelerate India’s energy transition.
With several sectors already demonstrating successful clean energy initiatives, the panel expressed optimism that collaborative action can help India build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable economy while advancing its climate commitments.