The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Pune held a roundtable discussion on the 3rd of March, 2022 on the topic “Accelerating Climate Action in the Automotive and SME Sector: Challenges and Opportunities”. 

The Roundtable discussion was organised with the US Consul General Mr. David J. Ranz and Senior Industry representatives from the Automotive and SME sector. 

SIIB was the “Knowledge partner” for the said Event and provided the background and context for the deliberations.   

India stands at the cusp of technology revolution where climate change as a global environmental issue; continues to pose challenges and opportunities for moving the world into a social and equitable order.  The energy sector is the source of around three‐quarters of greenhouse gas emissions today and holds the key to averting the worst effects of climate change, perhaps the greatest challenge humankind has faced.

Industry consumes a mix of coal, oil, natural gas, electricity and biofuels, with fossil fuels together representing 56% of total consumption (not counting electricity production). India is rapidly progressing its policy measures aimed at modal shift (to rail) and alternative fuels, including biofuels and renewable energy sources.  

Automobile sector is a key driver of India’s economic growth and the largest contributor to the manufacturing sector. The transport sector accounts for 24% of Global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, with most coming from passenger vehicles including buses and taxis. 

And without immediate action, its share could reach 40% by 2030. The Indian transport sector is and will be dominated by road transport (65%) over other modes of transportation due to flexibility in operation and better road infrastructure in India.

The deliberations at the Roundtable covered key areas like –

  • The emergence of developed economies and the sustainable growth model 
  • Immediate and massive deployment of all available clean and efficient energy technologies 
  • The EV Ecosystem
  • Bio – CNG technology
  • Sustainable mobility as the future direction
  • Financing options for sustainable transport 
  • Policy and Technology directions including aspects related to Battery swapping policy, Hydrogen economy, Bio CNG as a disruptive technology, Meeting net zero targets of Govt of India
  • Smart cities 
  • Regulatory and policy changes

Overall, the deliberations at the event were fruitful discussions and the attendees received not just food for thought but a future course of actions too.