The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized an international conference titled “Imperatives of Sustainable Mobility: Towards Vision India@2047” in New Delhi today, coinciding with World Environment Day 2023. The conference, aimed at promoting sustainable mobility, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and experts from India and around the world. The event provided a platform for insightful discussions and knowledge sharing, paving the way for a sustainable future in the field of mobility.
The conference was structured into four thematic sessions: “Bio Initiative,” “Electrification,” “Gas-Based Mobility,” and “Circularity.” These sessions explored various topics, including the use of low-carbon fuels such as ethanol and gaseous fuels, material circularity, decarbonization, carbon neutrality, and ESG compliance within the automotive sector. The discussions also encompassed existing and forthcoming policies, regulatory frameworks for alternative fuels, and sustainable mobility at national and international levels.
The chief guest at the conference, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, emphasized India’s progress towards sustainability under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He acknowledged that India has become a global inspiration in sustainability and emphasized the importance of significant and sustainable progress. Shri Choubey congratulated SIAM on achieving milestones through its sustainable initiatives around decarbonization and called for transforming sustainability into a public movement to achieve goals like net-zero emissions before 2070.
During the thematic session on “Gas-Based Mobility: Revolutionizing Mobility with Gas-based Solutions,” Mr. Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, highlighted the increasing fuel options available today, including natural gas, hydrogen, biofuels, and fuel cells. He emphasized the importance of expanding consumer choices and fostering healthy competition within the market.
The session on “Bio Initiative: Bio-Initiatives for Promoting Low Carbon Economy” focused on the production and utilization of biofuels obtained from renewable biological sources. Mr. Hanif Qureshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, shared that India aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending rate by 2025, and significant progress has already been made in developing automobiles suitable for E20 fuel.
The session on “Electrification: Powering the Future: Benefits and Challenges of Electrification” discussed various aspects of electric mobility, including advanced electric vehicle technology, infrastructure requirements, challenges in charging infrastructure and grid integration, government policies and incentives, and the automotive industry’s role in driving the transition to electric vehicles. Mr. Sudhendu J Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility), Niti Aayog, outlined strategies for transitioning to E-Mobility and emphasized the government’s support for EV development and charging infrastructure expansion.
The thematic session on “Circularity: Fostering Circular Economy through Efficient Material Circulation” focused on the transport industry’s transition to cleaner and greener mobility. Mr. Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, emphasized the need for innovative solutions and sustainable transportation and highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission as a significant step towards decarbonization and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
SIAM Director General, Mr. Rajesh Menon, highlighted the Indian automobile industry’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, including ethanol, electrification, hydrogen, CNG/LNG, and circular economy through recycling.
In celebration of World Environment Day 2023, SIAM’s initiative, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), conducted environmentally responsible activities across India in collaboration with automobile dealers and service stations. These activities aimed to combat plastic pollution and raise awareness about sustainability, showcasing SIAM’s dedication to a greener future.
The conference highlighted the Indian automobile industry’s commitment to adopting environment-friendly policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and COP-26 goals for achieving carbon net neutrality by 2070.
