India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in renewable energy at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in Abu Dhabi. Addressing the Assembly, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted India’s accelerated clean power transition, people-centric energy policies, and commitment to a just and inclusive global energy transition.
India’s Renewable Energy Milestones
In his national statement, the Minister stated that India has already achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, reaching the milestone five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) timeline under the Paris Agreement.
India’s total renewable energy capacity has now crossed 266 GW, placing the country among the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy markets. The Minister reiterated India’s long-term climate commitments of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Grid Strengthening and Energy Storage Focus
Highlighting India’s next phase of energy transition, Joshi emphasised the country’s focus on strengthening grid reliability through:
- Large-scale deployment of energy storage systems
- Grid modernisation and Green Energy Corridors
- Innovative bidding mechanisms, including hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects
He also underlined India’s efforts to expand domestic manufacturing capacity across solar modules, wind turbines, batteries, and electrolysers to build resilient and secure clean energy supply chains.
People-Centric Clean Energy Programmes
The Minister stressed that India’s energy transition is rooted in inclusivity, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future.
Key flagship programmes highlighted include:
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, under which nearly 2.5 million households have adopted rooftop solar within two years, with a target of 10 million households by March 2027
- PM-KUSUM scheme, which has benefited around 2.17 million farmers through solarisation of agricultural pumps and feeders
These initiatives aim to make clean energy affordable and accessible while reducing energy costs for households and farmers.
Investment Outlook and Global Cooperation
On investment requirements, the Minister noted that India will require nearly USD 300 billion by 2030, creating large opportunities across renewable generation, battery storage, green hydrogen, grid infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Calling for enhanced international cooperation, Joshi stressed the importance of:
- Technology transfer
- Affordable and blended finance
- Capacity building
- Harmonisation of global standards
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting IRENA and sharing its clean energy experience with developing nations, including Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Diplomatic Engagements on the Sidelines
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Joshi met Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, to review India–UAE cooperation in climate action, renewable energy, energy storage, clean technology manufacturing, and food security. The discussions aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
The Minister also congratulated the Dominican Republic on assuming the IRENA presidency and extended best wishes to the vice presidents Kenya, Solomon Islands, Spain, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Why This Matters
India’s early achievement of its non-fossil capacity milestone underscores the accelerating pace of its clean energy transition. With large-scale renewable deployment, expanding energy storage, and strong policy stability, India is emerging as a critical driver of global renewable energy growth and investment.
Industry Outlook
As global energy demand rises, India’s focus on grid flexibility, storage, domestic manufacturing, and inclusive energy access positions it as a model for large developing economies pursuing sustainable growth. Industry observers expect India’s renewable and storage markets to remain among the most attractive globally over the coming decade.
