Published: 20 January 2026NITI Aayog / PIBEconomy
NITI Aayog Releases 3 Decarbonisation Roadmaps: Cement, Aluminium & MSME Sectors
NITI Aayog released three sector-specific decarbonisation roadmaps on January 21, 2026, targeting the cement, aluminium, and MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) sectors as part of India's long-term strategy to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. These roadmaps align with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
The cement sector roadmap outlines a multi-pronged strategy including the adoption of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, increased use of refuse-derived fuels (RDF), and clinker substitution with industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag. Cement is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally, accounting for about 6% of global energy-system emissions, and India is the world's second-largest cement producer.
For the aluminium sector, the roadmap envisions a dramatic scale-up from the current production capacity of 4 million tonnes (MT) to 37 MT by 2070. This growth will be powered by green hydrogen-based smelting, renewable energy integration, and improved recycling infrastructure. India's aluminium industry is energy-intensive, and transitioning to clean energy sources is critical for meeting decarbonisation targets.
The MSME roadmap addresses the sector's unique challenges: MSMEs contribute around 30% of India's GDP, employ over 250 million workers, and are spread across diverse sub-sectors. The roadmap focuses on facilitating access to green finance, deploying energy-efficient technologies, and creating cluster-level renewable energy solutions. Adoption of green practices will make Indian MSMEs globally competitive while meeting sustainability standards demanded by export markets.
These three roadmaps are part of a broader suite of 23 sectoral decarbonisation plans being developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with industry bodies, international organisations, and government ministries. They represent India's commitment to balancing economic growth with climate action under the framework of the Paris Agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the three sectors covered in NITI Aayog's decarbonisation roadmaps released in January 2026?
NITI Aayog released roadmaps for **cement**, **aluminium**, and **MSME** sectors. The cement roadmap focuses on CCUS and clinker substitution; the aluminium roadmap targets scaling from 4 MT to 37 MT by 2070 through RE-RTC power, nuclear power and CCUS; the MSME roadmap promotes green finance and energy efficiency for a sector employing 250 million workers.
What is India's Net Zero 2070 target and how do these roadmaps contribute to it?
India pledged to achieve **Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070** under the Paris Agreement. These sectoral roadmaps provide actionable pathways — technology adoption, green financing, and energy transition — to decarbonise high-emission industries step by step, alongside the NDC goal of a **45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030** from 2005 levels.
What is CCUS and why is it important for the cement sector?
**Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)** is a technology that captures CO2 from industrial processes before it enters the atmosphere, then stores or reuses it. For cement — which accounts for about 6% of global energy-system emissions — CCUS is critical because process emissions from limestone calcination cannot be eliminated through fuel switching alone, making it a key decarbonisation lever.
What role do MSMEs play in India's economy and why do they need a dedicated decarbonisation roadmap?
MSMEs contribute **~30% of India's GDP** and employ over **250 million workers** across diverse sub-sectors. They face unique challenges like limited capital, fragmented supply chains, and low technology adoption. A dedicated roadmap ensures tailored solutions — green finance, cluster-based renewable energy, and affordable tech upgrades — rather than applying large-industry frameworks that may not suit smaller enterprises.
How does the aluminium sector's decarbonisation target align with global trends?
The aluminium sector roadmap targets a scale-up from **4 MT to 37 MT by 2070** through RE-RTC power, nuclear power and long-term CCUS integration. Globally, aluminium is critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure (solar panels, wind turbines), and lightweight construction. Decarbonising aluminium positions India to capture growing demand from the green economy while meeting international sustainability standards for exports.
