Gujarat Prevents 179 Million Tonnes of Carbon Emissions in Five Years

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat has achieved a major milestone in its clean energy journey by recording the highest-ever annual reduction in carbon emissions during FY 2025-26. The state prevented 49.79 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO₂e) from entering the atmosphere while generating a record 67,655 million units of green power, reinforcing its position as a national leader in renewable energy and climate action.

The achievement comes on the back of rapid expansion in solar, wind and other renewable energy sources, supported by the Gujarat government’s ambitious green energy policies.

“The state’s consistent investment in renewable energy is helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels while promoting sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation,” officials said.

Over the last five years, Gujarat has prevented a cumulative 179 million tonnes of carbon emissions, a remarkable achievement considering the state generates nearly 442 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. The reduction is equivalent to almost 40% of Gujarat’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the growing impact of its clean energy initiatives.

Environmental experts said carbon emission reduction has direct benefits beyond climate protection. Lower emissions improve air quality, reduce pollution-related health risks and help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods and erratic rainfall.

“Renewable energy is one of the most effective tools to combat climate change because it significantly reduces reliance on coal and other fossil fuels,” environmental experts noted.

The state’s progress has been driven by key initiatives, including the Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2026, Green Hydrogen Policy and Gujarat Pumped Storage Policy. These programmes have accelerated investment in clean energy infrastructure while strengthening Gujarat’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.

The Energy Department, along with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), has played a pivotal role in expanding renewable energy generation across the state.

Looking ahead, Gujarat has set an ambitious target of developing 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.