Gujarat cuts carbon emissions by 49.79 million tonnes through clean energy push

Gujarat recorded its largest annual reduction in carbon emissions during the 2025-26 financial year, with an estimated 49.79 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) prevented from entering the atmosphere, according to the State government.

The reduction was driven by a record 67,655 million units of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and other clean energy projects. Over the past five years, the State has avoided a cumulative 179 million tonnes of carbon emissions through renewable energy expansion, environment-friendly policies and other green initiatives, officials said.

Gujarat’s annual greenhouse gas emissions are estimated at around 442 million tonnes, making the achievement significant in relative terms. The government attributed the progress to policy measures such as the Integrated RE Policy 2026, the Green Hydrogen Policy and the Gujarat Pump Storage Policy, which have accelerated the transition to clean energy.

Key agencies including the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and the Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), under the Energy Department, have helped increase the share of renewables in the State’s power generation mix, the government stated.

The shift away from coal and other fossil fuels has not only lowered carbon emissions but also improved air quality, officials said. Reduced emissions also contribute to mitigating climate change effects such as extreme heat, erratic rainfall, floods and droughts.

Gujarat has set a target of achieving 100 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a net-zero economy by 2070. The State’s progress supports India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement while strengthening its position as a leading renewable energy hub.