India emits around 2.88 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, making it the third-largest emitter globally. In addition to CO2, India contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions through methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and other potent gases such as refrigerants and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These non-CO2 emissions account for a substantial portion of India’s total GHG emissions, with significant contributions from agriculture, livestock, and industrial activities.

 

Current Scenario 

Methane Emissions

• Livestock: India has one of the largest livestock populations globally, contributing 51% to methane emissions through enteric fermentation.
• Agriculture: Paddy fields and biomass burning are major sources of methane emissions in India.
• Waste Management: Landfills are a significant source of methane emissions, with improper waste management practices exacerbating the problem.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions

• Agriculture: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in Indian agriculture is the primary source of N2O emissions, contributing to about 75% of the country’s total N2O emissions.

Refrigerants and SF6

• Industrial Use: R-22, a common refrigerant, has a high global warming potential, and SF6, used in the electrical industry, is another potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential 22,000 times that of CO2.

Key technology

Methane Emissions Management

• Leakage Detection Systems: Advanced sensors and monitoring systems to detect and repair methane leaks in natural gas infrastructure.
• Landfill Gas Management: Capturing and utilizing methane from landfills to produce energy, reducing emissions and generating renewable energy.

Alternative Refrigerants

• Low-GWP Refrigerants: Development and adoption of refrigerants with low global warming potential to replace high-GWP substances like R-22.
• Leak Detection and Repair: Technologies to detect and promptly repair leaks in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

N2O Emissions Reduction in Agriculture

• Alternative Fertilizers: Development of fertilizers that release nitrogen more slowly and are absorbed more efficiently by crops, reducing N2O emissions.
• Improved Fertilizer Application: Precision agriculture techniques and technologies to optimize fertilizer application, minimizing excess nitrogen and subsequent N2O emissions.

SF6 Alternatives and Management

• Alternative Insulating Gases: Research and deployment of alternative gases with lower global warming potential for use in electrical equipment.
• SF6 Recycling and Leak Prevention: Improved practices for recycling SF6 and preventing leaks during the manufacture, use, and disposal of electrical equipment.

Case Studies

• Gas Leakage Detection in ONGC’s Natural Gas Infrastructure: To detect and repair methane leaks in the natural gas infrastructure ONGC has implemented advanced methane detection systems using infrared technology, allowing for real-time monitoring and quick repair of leaks.
• Alternative Fertilizers by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI): To reduce N2O emissions from agricultural fields IARI has developed neem-coated urea, which releases nitrogen slowly, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing N2O emissions.
• Godrej’s Low-GWP Refrigerant Adoption: To transition to low-GWP refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning units, Godrej has developed and commercialized air conditioners using R-290, a refrigerant with significantly lower global warming potential than R-22.