India’s Green Leap: Transitioning to Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future
“India is fully committed to building a cleaner, greener planet. We were the first among G20 nations to meet our Paris Agreement commitments on green energy, well ahead of schedule. While we continue to strengthen existing solutions, we are also focused on embracing new and innovative approaches” – PM Shri Narendra Modi
As the world faces the escalating impacts of climate change, the need for clean, sustainable energy solutions has never been more urgent. Transitioning to clean energy—derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower—has become a global imperative. This shift not only helps mitigate climate change but also creates economic opportunities, enhances energy security, and promotes social well-being.
Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases when burned, clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are sustainable, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a cleaner, greener alternative to conventional energy systems. This shift is central to reducing the global carbon footprint and achieving long-term climate goals.
Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the clean energy transition. India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy capacity, driven by a remarkable 36.5% CAGR in solar power over the last decade as per a report by EY. With strategic investments in green hydrogen, electric vehicles, solar rooftops, and energy storage systems, India is not only advancing its own energy transformation but also playing a pivotal role in the global shift towards a cleaner, greener future.
The Global Shift Towards Clean Energy
Around the world, nations are making ambitious strides to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. In the face of rising global temperatures, increased natural disasters, and growing concerns over energy independence, countries are increasingly turning to renewable energy as the solution to these challenges. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set global energy transition targets, calling for the deployment of clean energy technologies on a massive scale. Countries must balance their economic needs, energy security, and environmental goals, while ensuring that the transition is inclusive and equitable.
India’s Position in the Clean Energy Transition
“For India, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ is a Commitment” – PM Shri Narendra Modi
India’s role in the global energy transition is crucial. India has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and has committed to achieving 50% of its total energy capacity from renewables by 2030. The Indian government is making significant investments in clean energy, including solar power, wind energy, green hydrogen, and battery storage, to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future.
India’s energy transition is exemplified by its evolving energy policies, which have focused on supporting clean energy. The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) recent report highlights India’s successful efforts in channeling resources into renewable energy investments. Through strategic reforms such as supporting solar and wind power, India has directed funds into clean energy projects, contributing to a greener, more resilient energy system.
In addition, India is scaling up the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), green hydrogen production, and energy storage technologies. It is also building a robust energy grid and supporting innovations in battery storage, aiming for 47 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage capacity by 2031-32. These efforts are reinforced by major initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar energy, and the PM Surya Ghar initiative to provide free electricity to households.
India’s Strategic Policies and Schemes for Clean Energy
India’s clean energy transition is supported by several key government schemes designed to promote renewable energy, reduce emissions, and enhance energy access. For instance, the National Solar Mission aims to scale up solar energy capacity, while the Green Energy Corridor Scheme ensures that renewable power can be transmitted efficiently across the country. The introduction of production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes has also fostered domestic manufacturing in clean energy sectors, providing economic stimulus while advancing sustainability goals.
India’s Green Leap: A Bold Vision for a Sustainable Future
Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has made remarkable progress in its green energy transition. PM Modi’s vision for a sustainable future was evident from the beginning of his tenure, when he turned the green transition into a core element of India’s growth strategy. India has become a global leader in renewable energy, especially solar power. By 2024, India is having nearly 90 GW of solar power already installed. And this is just the beginning—India has now set an even more ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
One of the hallmark achievements was the launch of the Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects in 2014, a game-changing initiative that made solar power more affordable and accessible by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing necessary infrastructure. This has propelled India to become the world’s 4th largest solar power producer and 4th in total renewable capacity. Moreover, India’s success in scaling up solar power is paired with its efforts to become self-reliant in manufacturing solar panels and other renewable energy equipment.
The UJALA scheme, launched on January 5, 2015, is another example of PM Modi’s innovative approach to green energy. By promoting LED bulbs, the scheme not only reduced energy consumption but also made energy-efficient lighting accessible to millions of households across the country. Within just three years, the price of LED bulbs dropped significantly, and India became home to the world’s largest zero-subsidy lighting program, distributing nearly 37 crore bulbs and reducing carbon emissions by nearly 39 million tonnes annually.
The Road Ahead
“Clean energy is the need of the hour. Our commitment to a better tomorrow is paramount and is reflected in our work” – PM Shri Narendra Modi
India’s clean energy journey is a testament to its commitment to global sustainability. The country’s efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, coupled with the rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, are setting a powerful example for other nations to follow. Scaling up clean energy solutions requires continued collaboration, investment, and innovation. India is working closely with the global community, sharing its learnings, and taking bold actions to meet its clean energy targets.
By continuing to invest in clean energy, India can reduce its carbon footprint, create new jobs, and ensure long-term energy security for its growing population. The nation’s strategic focus on green hydrogen, energy storage, and electric vehicles, backed by strong government policies, is positioning India as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
As the world watches, India’s transition to clean energy is not just a national necessity—it is a crucial step in the global fight against climate change. With sustained efforts, innovative policies, and international collaboration, India is poised to emerge as an energy superpower of the future, leading the way towards a more sustainable and resilient global energy landscape.
