India's Carbon Credit Scheme: Cement, aluminum firms face high costs

India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme will get stricter by FY2027, raising compliance costs for cement and aluminum firms, an ICRA analysis finds. FY2026 is a transition, but FY2027 will bring significant financial risks without emission cuts.

India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is expected to become much stricter by FY2027, increasing compliance costs--especially for cement and aluminum companies--according to an ICRA ESG analysis. The study looked at 14 major companies (10 cement and 4 aluminum) and found that while FY2026 will be a relatively manageable transition year, FY2027 will bring tighter rules and higher financial risks if companies don't reduce emissions fast enough.

Impact on Cement Sector

In FY2026, cement companies can mostly meet targets if they reduce emission intensity by about 1.5%. But if emissions stay the same or increase, companies could face shortfalls, forcing them to buy carbon credits. Some firms may still benefit by cutting emissions early and selling surplus credits.

By FY2027, the situation becomes tougher. Around 30% of cement companies could face deficits even under favorable conditions. In worse scenarios, the financial impact could reach up to Rs 700 crore, and carbon costs could cut profits by as much as 19% for some firms.

To stay on track, companies need to reduce emission intensity by roughly 0.7% in FY2026 and 2.7% in FY2027 compared to FY2024 levels.

Challenges for Aluminum Companies

Aluminum companies start with better efficiency, but rising production will increase pressure. In FY2026, larger firms may already need carbon credits, while smaller firms benefit from efficiency improvements.

By FY2027, stricter targets could widen the gap further, with carbon costs reaching up to 3% of profits for some players.

To meet targets, aluminum firms may need to cut emission intensity by 1.6% in FY2026 and 5.2% in FY2027.

If companies continue at current emission levels while production grows, none are likely to meet targets.

Report's Conclusion

The report highlights that steady emission reductions of 1-3% for cement and 2-5% for aluminum will be essential to control costs and stay competitive.

In short, FY2026 offers a transition period with manageable costs, but FY2027 will significantly increase pressure. Large companies may see profits hit by carbon costs, while smaller, more efficient players could gain an advantage by cutting emissions faster. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)