NITI Aayog Unveils $14.23 Trillion Net-Zero Pathway to 2070, Emphasizing Storage and Nuclear Push

Key Points

• Investment need of $14.23 trillion through 2070 for net-zero transition
• Major focus on energy storage scale-up to handle solar and wind intermittency
• Nuclear capacity target expansion with de-risking strategies for construction and financing
• Policy frameworks needed include long-term contracts and clear market rules for storage projects

Full Details

NITI Aayog has released India's comprehensive net-zero pathway to 2070, projecting a massive $14.23 trillion investment requirement through 2070. The strategy emphasizes scaling renewable generation capacity, significantly expanding energy storage to address intermittency issues, and raising nuclear power output. For industrial heat, the plan proposes transitions to green hydrogen, biomass, electrified boilers, and solar thermal, with carbon capture and storage for residual emissions. The near-term focus includes storage tenders, pumped hydro project closures, grid InvITs, and developing battery supply chains with bankable offtake agreements. The report stresses the need for policy frameworks including long-term contracts, clear market rules for storage, and financing models to attract domestic and global capital at lower costs. The strategy also calls for clarity on nuclear capacity targets and fuel strategy to de-risk construction and operations.