WEF says a transition to zero-emission trucks can lead to 2.8–3.8 gigatons of cumulative CO2 savings through 2050, which is equal to or greater than India’s entire economy-wide annual GHG emissions today.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday announced the launch of India’s first zero-emission road freight cluster initiative in an effort to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. It was announced during the G20 Energy Ministers’ meeting.

“The timing of the initiative is crucial, especially as road freight demand in India is set to become the second largest in the world in the coming decade. A transition to zero-emission trucks can lead to 2.8–3.8 gigatons of cumulative CO2 savings through 2050, which is equal to or greater than India’s entire economy-wide annual GHG emissions today," WEF said in a statement.

Supported by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and under NITI Aayog’s e-FAST India programme, Moving India brings together the government and the private sector to deploy over 550 zero-emission trucks in select road corridors along the west coast states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Roberto Bocca, head of the Centre for Energy and Materials, Member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum, said, “Development of the zero-emission road freight cluster represents a significant step in kickstarting India’s energy transition in road freight… A cluster-based approach involving multiple stakeholders and sectors can help create scale, support deployment of shared assets and infrastructure, encourage creation of vehicle supply and servicing ecosystem and inform policy through consensus."

Gujarat and Maharashtra account for a combined GDP of $700 billion, and key ports in the states handle about 50 per cent of India’s total volume of cargo, resulting in high-density of cargo movement in the geography. This makes the region an ideal candidate for developing India’s first zero-emission road freight cluster. Cement, metals, ports, automotive and consumer goods sectors are all areas for early adoption of zero-emission road freight in India.

Karan Adani, chief executive officer and director of the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), said, “We are fully committed to driving sustainable growth. We are aspiring for carbon neutral status in 2025 and aiming for net zero by 2040."

APSEZ has emerged as the early adopter in this space with the early adoption of battery-operated trailer trucks at its ports. Around 263 such trucks are already operational at the company’s ports in Gujarat, and another 75 trucks are deployed at its ports in Tamil Nadu. This deployment is in line with the company’s strategy to electrify most of its port equipment and power it using renewable electricity.

Sushil Kumar Singh, joint secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, said, “Deployment of zero-emission trucks in and around India’s shipping ports is well aligned to India’s ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines… We are keen to work with public and private stakeholders to promote the deployment of zero-emission trucks for land operations at ports."

The WEF in the statement said several challenges need to be overcome to ensure a successful scale-up: shippers need to ensure the right selection of viable use cases for early deployment; vehicle manufacturers need to ensure availability of right-sized and right-priced zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks; shippers and vehicle manufacturers need to work closely with logistics service providers to ensure financeable cashflows and technology guarantees; and clarity is required on the policy roadmap and support for zero-emission road freight vehicles and infrastructure.

Sudhendu Sinha, advisor (infrastructure connectivity – transport and electric mobility) of NITI Aayog, said, “We are pleased to witness the unwavering dedication of prominent enterprises towards the widespread adoption of zero-emission trucks… This commitment closely aligns with the government of India’s objective of fostering a cleaner and more efficient road freight system within the nation."

He added that the NITI Aayog has initiated the e-FAST India program to provide comprehensive support for the implementation of zero-emission road freight solutions across India. “Under e-FAST India, we will work with the private sector to facilitate the smooth and successful early deployment of these sustainable technologies."

Vineet Agarwal, managing director of Transport Corporation of India, said, “We are working with India’s leading businesses who are committed to reduce their Scope 3 emissions. As a leader in this domain, it is incumbent upon us to provide zero-emission road freight solutions to the customers that require such solutions."

K C Jhanwar, managing director of UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “India is the second largest cement producing country in the world, with cement plants spread across the country… Cement sector can provide an ideal use case for early adoption of zero-emission trucks."

He added that UltraTech Cement is committed to evaluating all means to reduce our emissions and environmental footprint. “We see large-scale deployment of zero-emission trucks and LNG/CNG vehicles as the next key initiative to make our operations more sustainable."

Satish Sharma, president (Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa) of Apollo Tyres, said, “While we continue to work on improving our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity, this initiative will support our objectives in reducing Scope 3 or value chain emissions… We need to improve the efficiency of the supply chain, enabled by digitalization, to make adoption of zero-emission vehicles more viable."