India
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program, supported NTPC in organizing a Three Days Training programme titled “NTPC Net Zero Roadmap for its Townships and Offices)” held on July 10-12, 2024, at the NTPC Power Management Institute, Noida. This program aimed to accelerate NTPC’s journey towards achieving Net Zero carbon emissions in alignment with India’s ‘Panchamrit’ goals announced at CoP 26 and the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030. Around sixty participants from NTPC townships and offices across the country attended the event, contributing to a comprehensive and collaborative learning experience.
The training program was designed to sensitize NTPC officials on the strategies and roadmap to achieve “Net Zero” in their townships and offices. Key topics included the concepts of Net Zero, relevant codes, labels, certification systems, and successful case studies. Additionally, the training programme featured a site visit to demonstrate a proof of concept for Net Zero transformation.
On the first day, July 10, 2024, the training program began with a series of inaugural addresses. Dr. Vijay Prakash, ED (SSEA), NTPC, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by introductory remarks by Ms Rachana Singh Bhal, CGM (Strategic HR & T) and a keynote address by Sh. Ravindra Kumar, Director (Operations), NTPC, and Ms. Apurva Chaturvedi, Sr. Clean Energy Specialist, USAID India, also provided special remarks on the collaboration and support for the initiative.
During the inaugural session Dr. Vijay Prakash, ED (SSEA), NTPC, emphasized the critical role of documentation and certification in achieving net zero goals, stating, “Achieving net zero requires us to document, certify, and publish our efforts. Businesses’ survival and growth now depend on their ESG compliance.”
Sh. Ravindra Kumar, Director (Operations), NTPC, highlighted NTPC’s commitment to sustainability, noting, “Our collaboration with USAID is instrumental in achieving net zero for our facilities. We’re leveraging government-backed technologies like solar expansion, rainwater harvesting, and improved waste management to make significant strides towards a carbon-neutral future.”
Ms. Rachana Singh Bhal, CGM (Strategic HR & T), PMI, emphasized the increasing importance of the Net Zero initiative: “We are thrilled to see Shunya gaining momentum again. COP26 has given us a clear direction, and it’s time to take big leaps. NTPC is committed to supporting its stakeholders and collaborating with leading institutes to drive a focused and impact-driven approach towards sustainability.”
Ms. Apurva Chaturvedi, Sr. Clean Energy Specialist, USAID India, added, “USAID has been a key partner in supporting India’s journey towards net zero, from involvement in defining the very concept of net zero for India and integrating it into NDCs. A holistic approach across sectors, with strong partnerships and a focus on measurement, is crucial to achieving net zero. NTPC, as a Maharatna company, is leading the charge with green initiatives like NTPC Green and feasibility studies on green hydrogen.”
Sessions covered Net Zero concepts and definitions, as well as case study of Nalanda University net zero campus, which was supported by USAID and inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister. The day concluded with discussions on MRV frameworks, digital monitoring, building performance metrics, implementation plans, and Net Zero standards.
The second day, July 11, 2024, focused on detailed technical sessions, including the Energy Conservation Building Code and ECO NIWAS Samhita, covering building envelope design, electrical and lighting systems, and super-efficient, low carbon cooling systems followed by discussions on renewable energy integration. Sessions on electric mobility provided an overview of e-mobility, financing mechanisms, integration challenges, and strategies. The session also included a deep-dive into Net Zero energy, water, waste, carbon, and data collection, along with NTPC case studies on piloting Net Zero certification at Kudgi and RGPPL Ratnagiri.
On the final day, July 12, 2024, the training program featured a site visit to an energy-efficient building in Greater Noida. Participants traveled to the site, where they received a project briefing from SAREP and the site representative. The visit included a walking tour to observe and understand the practical implementation of Net Zero concepts, providing a tangible example of the principles discussed during the training program. Overall, the training program equipped NTPC officials with the essential knowledge and strategies to transition their facilities to Net Zero. This initiative reflects USAID SAREP’s ongoing commitment to supporting India’s ambitious sustainability goals and fostering a collaborative environment for achieving Net Zero emissions.
