A Game Theory Approach for India to Reach Carbon Neutrality
International Journal of Energy Research, vol.2026, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1155/er/7824211
- Journal Name: International Journal of Energy Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: carbon capture utilisation and storage, carbon neutral, game theory, renewable energy
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
India’s pursuit of carbon neutrality requires a thorough evaluation of emerging mitigating technologies, particularly carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and renewable energy (REW). This study introduces a hybrid decision-making framework that integrates the Delphi technique, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), game theory and business-as-usual (BAU) to assess the comparative feasibility of these technologies. Using the Delphi technique, experts came to a consensus on the most important evaluation criteria for CO2 reduction, cost, technological maturity, public acceptance and scalability. Then, using FAHP, they ranked these factors in order of importance. The results show that CCUS is better at reducing CO2 and improving technology, whereas REW is better at being cost-effective, accepted by society and scalable. The game theory model shows that the best policy-industry strategy is when the government supports CCUS and the industry puts money into REW. This shows how important it is for different groups to work together. Projected electricity demand and CO2 emissions in a BAU scenario suggest a considerable increase by 2068, necessitating a dual-technology strategy. The research calls for smart public spending on CCUS infrastructure together with faster adoption of REW. Constraints include reliance on expert evaluation and the reduction of stakeholder engagement to their most basic level.