The term "moonshot" originated from the ambitious vision set forth by US President John F. Kennedy to land a man on the moon and safely return him to Earth within a decade. This visionary goal, achieved by NASA in just eight years, brought remarkable benefits to global science, technology, and the economy. Similarly, overcoming the climate change challenge before 2050 might require moonshots—extraordinary, ambitious, and sometimes seemingly impossible initiatives.
Current Scenario
India, which is grappling with vast environmental challenges and striving to meet ambitious climate goals, moonshots could be the key to driving large-scale decarbonization. By leveraging its strengths in innovation, technology, and a growing commitment to sustainability, India can pioneer moonshot initiatives that transform its energy landscape, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable development.
Moonshot Landscape:
- Innovative Initiatives: India is already exploring innovative solutions such as solar power expansion, electric mobility, and advanced agricultural practices.
- Government Support: The Indian government has shown support for ambitious projects, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the National Hydrogen Mission.
Key Moonshots
- Solar Power Satellites: Developing satellites that collect solar energy in space and transmit it to Earth. Providing a virtually limitless source of clean energy.
- Green Hydrogen Production: Mass production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources. Creating a clean fuel for transportation and industry, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): Capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and converting them into useful products.
- Vertical Farming: Implementing high-tech, multi-story farms in urban areas. Geoengineering: Exploring techniques such as solar radiation management to reflect sunlight away from Earth. Potentially mitigating global warming effects on a large scale.
Case Studies
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Objective: To promote solar energy globally through cooperation among solar-rich countries.
- Implementation: Initiated by India and France, ISA focuses on large-scale solar projects and mobilizing investments.
- Impact: Aiming to deploy over 1,000 GW of solar energy by 2030, significantly reducing global carbon emissions.
National Hydrogen Mission
- Objective: To position India as a global hub for hydrogen production and export.
- Implementation: Government support for research, infrastructure development, and pilot projects.
- Impact: Reducing industrial and transportation emissions through green hydrogen adoption.
Carbon Clean Solutions
- Objective: To develop efficient carbon capture technologies for industrial applications.
- Implementation: Collaboration with industries to deploy carbon capture units.
- Impact: Significant reduction in CO2 emissions from industries, with captured carbon being repurposed.
Skyroot Aerospace
- Objective: To develop affordable and sustainable space launch solutions.
- Implementation: Innovating lightweight, eco-friendly rocket technologies.
- Impact: Facilitating the launch of satellites for solar power collection and other environmental monitoring purposes.
Hydroelectric Storage Systems
- Objective: To develop advanced hydroelectric storage solutions for renewable energy.
- Implementation: Using existing dams and new technologies to store and release energy.
- Impact: Enhancing the stability and reliability of renewable energy supply.
