SBTi Opens Public Consultation on Draft Power Sector Net-Zero Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative has released its draft Power Sector Net-Zero Standard for stakeholder feedback, targeting companies involved in power generation, transmission, distribution, storage, trade, and retail. The consultation closes on 3 November 2025.

SBTi has published the draft Power Sector Net-Zero Standard, developed in alignment with the first consultation draft of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2. The draft is designed to enable power companies to set near- and long-term science-based targets aligned with achieving net-zero by 2050 at the latest. It builds on and will replace the SBTi's Quick Start Guide for Electric Utilities, offering updated sector-specific criteria addressing the unique emissions profiles and operational characteristics of companies across the power sector.

The power sector is the single largest source of global CO2 emissions, responsible for nearly 40 percent of energy-related greenhouse gas output. Its dual role as both a major emitter and a critical enabler of decarbonisation in other industries makes it strategically important to the net-zero transition. India, which is expanding its power sector rapidly to meet growing electricity demand while committing to renewable energy targets, stands to benefit from a credible, science-based framework that guides private utilities and public sector generators toward aligned climate targets.

Stakeholders across business, academia, civil society, and government are invited to submit feedback through the consultation survey before 3 November 2025. Further information on the process and project plan is available in the Power Sector Standard Terms of Reference. The final standard is expected to provide consistency across the SBTi suite and help power companies manage transition risks while capturing growth opportunities as global demand for low-emission electricity continues to accelerate.

Key figure — Nearly 40% of global energy-related emissions from the power sector