NITI Aayog has released three comprehensive reports outlining decarbonisation and green transition roadmaps for the cement, aluminium, and MSME sectors, as India works toward its twin goals of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The reports were unveiled on January 21, 2026, and have been prepared in consultation with line ministries, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and knowledge partners.
Aligning Growth with Climate Commitments
India aims to scale up its economy to USD 30 trillion by 2047, driven by higher industrial output and large-scale infrastructure development. A key national objective is to raise the manufacturing sector’s share in GDP from 17% to 25%.
At the same time, India has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero by 2070. Against this backdrop, NITI Aayog identified the need for sector-specific green transition strategies that balance economic growth with climate action.
Cement Sector: Deep Decarbonisation Pathway
According to the report, cement production is projected to rise nearly sevenfold, from 391 million tonnes in 2023 to about 2,100 million tonnes by 2070.
To support this growth while lowering emissions, the roadmap targets a reduction in carbon intensity from 0.63 tCO₂e per tonne of cement to approximately 0.09-0.13 tCO₂e per tonne by 2070. Key decarbonisation levers identified include:
- Increased use of refuse-derived fuels
- Clinker substitution to lower emissions intensity
- Scaling up Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Effective implementation of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
Aluminium Sector: Phased Energy Transition
India’s aluminium production is expected to grow from 4 million tonnes in 2023 to 37 million tonnes by 2070, making decarbonisation critical. The aluminium roadmap proposes a three-phase transition:
- Short term: Shift to round-the-clock renewable energy (RE-RTC) and improved grid connectivity
- Medium term: Adoption of nuclear power for low-carbon baseload energy
- Long term: Integration of CCUS technologies to address residual emissions
MSME Sector: Green Transition for India’s Industrial Backbone
India’s MSME sector, which contributes nearly 30% to GDP, employs over 250 million people, and accounts for about 46% of exports, is central to the country’s green transition. The MSME roadmap focuses on three primary levers:
- Deployment of energy-efficient equipment
- Adoption of alternative and cleaner fuels
- Integration of green electricity, including renewables
The report emphasises a cluster-based approach to ensure effective implementation and scalability across diverse MSME ecosystems.
Key Observations from NITI Aayog Leadership
Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, highlighted that MSMEs are deeply integrated into global and domestic supply chains. He stressed the importance of:
- Technology adoption
- Access to affordable finance
- Skilling and regulatory reforms
- Greater participation of women in the workforce
B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, said the roadmaps would serve as reference frameworks for achieving economic development and industrial decarbonisation simultaneously.
S. C. L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, noted that the cluster-based framework would be key to translating the roadmap into on-ground action.
Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India, underlined the timeliness of the reports in view of India’s climate commitments and development ambitions.
Ishtiyaque Ahmed, Programme Director, NITI Aayog, explained that sectors such as cement, aluminium, and MSMEs can be decarbonised through a mix of energy efficiency, renewable power, CCUS, and nuclear energy.
Full Reports Available Online
The complete reports can be accessed here:
- Cement Sector Decarbonisation Roadmap:
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Roadmap_for_Cement_Sector_Decarbonaisation.pdf - Aluminium Sector Decarbonisation Roadmap:
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Roadmap_for_Aluminium_Sector_Decarbonisation.pdf Green Transition Roadmap for MSMEs:
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Roadmap_for_Green_Transition_of_MSMEs.pdf