India’s Carbon Offset Plan: Driving Climate Action Through Voluntary Emission Reduction

Operation of the Carbon Offset Mechanism within the Indian Carbon Market enables India to achieve its climate commitments. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 obtained its institutional base through notification in June 2023 before receiving additional power through December 2023 amendments that expanded possibilities to voluntary climate mitigation projects. The Government of India gave its approval to the Offset Mechanism Detailed Procedure along with eight methodologies in March 2025 which opened opportunities for voluntary participation in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction projects.

Key Points

Indian Carbon Market and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023

• The National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) was created by the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 to operate as the governance body for carbon credit trading in India.

• Non-obligated entities gained eligibility to perform voluntary emissions reduction projects after the December 2023 scheme amendment which established the Offset Mechanism.

Operationalization of the Offset Mechanism

• Through the Offset Mechanism businesses together with industries and organizations outside of compliance requirements can establish projects for GHG emission reduction or removal or avoidance purposes.

• Participants receive carbon credits as an incentive to adopt climate action programs since they serve sectors where compliance obligations do not apply.

• Through its mechanism the program encourages corporate and industrial sectors to participate voluntarily in climate change mitigation strategies.

Approved Methodologies for Carbon Offset Projects

The Government has facilitated eight methods for the Offset Mechanism to support various industrial sectors.

• Renewable Energy Projects as well as hydroelectric facilities and stored hydroelectric reservoir projects qualify for the program.

• The production of Green Hydrogen serves as an approved methodology to develop clean fuel technologies through the Offset Mechanism.

• Industrial Energy Efficiency offers an approved methodology to lower manufacturing emissions under the Offset Mechanism.

• The capture of landfill methane along with its beneficial use serves as a key project under the Offset Mechanism.

• Mangrove tree planting activities as a part of reforestation efforts help increase carbon sequestration.

Such methodologies establish comprehensive standards for producing voluntary carbon credits that work toward meeting India's climate commitments.

Expected Impact and Benefits

• Entities achieve the objective of India's net-zero targets by implementing projects through this program.

• Businesses benefit financially since economic incentives are available thanks to carbon trading opportunities.

• Carbon markets now enclose climate-compatible projects from non-classical industrial sectors.

• Strengthened Global Position: Aligns India with global carbon market frameworks and international climate commitments.

Conclusion

India made a major advancement with its Carbon Offset Plan as part of its low-carbon economy development path. The framework targeting voluntary carbon credit generation at a national level allows India to extend its climate initiatives beyond its mandatory industrial sectors. The recently approved methods will boost climate-friendly practices while attracting private businesses to engage with carbon markets and enhance India’s global market leadership. The Indian Carbon Market will become essential for achieving national emission intensity targets and developing a sustainable resilient future as it keeps developing.