Integrating the Blue and Green Economies can drive smarter, cleaner automotive mobility by leveraging ocean resources and renewable energy for a sustainable future, writes Praful Talera, Founder & CMD, Dynamic Logistics.
As we stand on the brink of a new technological epoch, the future of mobility is shaping up to be one of the most transformative aspects of our society. The convergence of advancements in technology, environmental consciousness, and urban planning is paving the way for a future where transportation is smarter, cleaner, and more integrated than ever before. However, the path forward is not without challenges, particularly in balancing the demands of economic growth with the imperative of environmental sustainability. This article explores how the Blue Economy can enhance the Green Economy, offering innovative solutions to shape the future of automotive mobility.
The current state of automotive mobility and environmental challenges: The automotive industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all emissions worldwide. Traditional internal combustion engines rely heavily on fossil fuels, leading to pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation. As urbanization increases, so does the demand for personal and public transportation, exacerbating these environmental challenges. In response to these issues, several key trends have emerged in the mobility sector. Electrification, shared mobility, and automation are set to revolutionize how we move and interact with our world. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are gaining traction as essential components of a sustainable future, offering cleaner and greener alternatives to conventional vehicles. However, the shift towards electric and hybrid technology is only part of the solution. To truly achieve sustainable mobility, we must integrate these advancements with broader environmental and economic strategies—enter the Blue Economy.
Understanding the Blue Economy
The Blue Economy, as defined by the World Bank, refers to the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.” The European Commission similarly defines it as encompassing all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts. The Blue Economy is already a significant generator of wealth, with ocean assets valued at approximately $24 trillion and contributing about 5% to the global GDP.
In India, the Blue Economy contributes around 4% to the national GDP, a figure that pales in comparison to the nearly 24% in developed countries. This disparity highlights the untapped potential Of India’s maritime resources, particularly within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is the 18th largest in the world. India’s EEZ includes vast areas of the ocean where the country has jurisdiction over both living and non-living resources. By leveraging these resources sustainably, India can significantly boost its Blue Economy, contributing to national and global economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.
Integrating the Blue Economy with the Green Economy
The Green Economy focuses on reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring sustainable development. By integrating the Blue Economy with the Green Economy, we can create a more holistic approach to sustainability. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India are pivotal in this integration. These ministries are tasked with developing and deploying renewable energy technologies and exploring marine resources in a sustainable manner.
One of the most promising areas of this integration is the harnessing of ocean and marine resources to support sustainable automotive mobility. For example, offshore wind farms and tidal energy can provide renewable energy to power electric vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, Advancements in technology are making it possible to explore and utilize deep-sea resources, such as critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing EV batteries and other components.
The Role of Renewable Energy in Future Mobility
Renewable energy is at the heart of future mobility solutions. Offshore wind farms, for instance, generate electricity from the wind blowing across the sea, which is more consistent and stronger than onshore winds. This makes offshore wind a more efficient and reliable source of energy for powering electric vehicles. India’s master plan for the offshore wind industry aims to achieve 37 GW of offshore wind energy capacity, with a total investment target of over $53 billion.
In addition to wind energy, solar power also plays a crucial role in sustainable mobility. India’s largest floating solar power project, located in Telangana, has become fully operational, contributing to the growing renewable energy sector. Floating solar plants offer a unique solution by utilizing water bodies for energy production without occupying valuable land space. This approach not only generates clean energy but also supports the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Innovations in Deep-Sea Mining and Its Impact on Mobility
As demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel surges, the potential of deep-sea mining has come to the forefront. These minerals are essential components of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and other low-carbon technologies. The ocean floor holds vast reserves of these materials, particularly in the form of polymetallic nodules, sulphides, and metal-rich crusts.
However, deep-sea mining is not without its challenges. The environmental impact of extracting Minerals from the ocean floor is still not fully understood, and there are concerns about the potential damage to marine ecosystems. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is responsible for regulating mineral-related activities in international waters. As the world debates the future of deep-sea mining, it is crucial to balance the need for these resources with the imperative to protect our oceans.
Policy and Governance: A Blueprint for Sustainable Mobility
Effective policy and governance are essential for ensuring that the Blue Economy contributes to sustainable mobility. International cooperation, particularly through organizations like the ISA, plays a vital role in regulating the exploitation of marine resources. India’s policies, including its efforts to extend its EEZ and develop renewable energy projects, demonstrate a commitment to harnessing marine resources sustainably.
Going forward, policymakers must ensure that the Blue and Green Economies work in tandem. This will require a comprehensive approach that includes protecting marine ecosystems, promoting renewable energy, and fostering
Innovation in sustainable technologies. By aligning these efforts with the goals of the automotive industry, we can pave the way for a future where mobility is not only advanced but also environmentally responsible.
Conclusion
The Blue Economy offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance future automotive mobility. By integrating ocean and marine resources with renewable energy solutions, we can create a more sustainable and resilient transportation system. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the collaboration between the Blue and Green Economies will be crucial in achieving a cleaner, greener future. It is imperative that governments, industries, and individuals embrace this approach to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally sustainable. The announcement of the Blue Economy Policy of India by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is on the anvil.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMM magazine.
Praful Talera
Founder & CMD
Dynamic Logistics