Chennai: Tamil Nadu will achieve carbon net zero ahead of the 2070 target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Friday.

Speaking after unveiling the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission in Chennai, the Chief Minister said the government would create a separate green power grid, a green power policy, and a single window system under the finance department for all climate change mitigation projects.

He signed memorandums of understanding with the World Resources Institute, Anna University, and the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management. They will help the state set up ten smart villages and 25 green schools and get blue flag certification for more beaches.

“For all projects to be formulated, single-window approvals will be given. This decision will play a major role in boosting Tamil Nadu’s economy to one trillion dollars by 2030. A separate green corridor will be created to increase and transport electricity generated using renewable sources. Already, a re-powering policy has been published by the Department of Energy. We are also trying to take steps to create a green climate fund worth ₹1,000 crore. In its first phase, ₹100 crore has been provided by the government of Tamil Nadu, which will be used to raise funds nationally and globally for eco-friendly constructions in the state,” Stalin said.

Supriya Sahu, environment chief secretary, said, “Every department has a role to play in climate change mitigation efforts. We wanted to bring in voices from India and other countries and display best practices so that the state can take them forward. From studies done in the UK for wind energy to the local panchayat leader from Coimbatore, all have shown it is possible to achieve the goals.”

Economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who is also the governing council member of the TN climate change mission, said the government should set precise targets for each sector.

Executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme Erik Solheim said, “There are major opportunities in the green power sector that Tamil Nadu should tap and promote innovation and manufacturing in this sector. And to make it work, it needs to become a people’s movement.”

“We aim to achieve 50% generation of electricity through renewable energy in Tamil Nadu by 2030,” said Rajesh Lakhani, Chairman, Tangedco.

Industries secretary S. Krishnan said, “Greater use of renewable power, both solar and wind, development of energy storage including battery manufacture, pumped storage, and green hydrogen are key priorities of the government.” Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner, said they will ensure wet waste doesn’t enter landfills in two years’ time.