India is on a mission to revolutionise its energy landscape and combat climate change. With ambitious targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, the country is making significant strides in its renewable energy journey. From massive solar power projects to innovative green hydrogen initiatives, India's efforts are setting a global example in sustainable development. Nevertheless, how exactly will India meet these monumental goals? Let us dive into the key projects, policies, and investments driving this transformation.
Whilst it is forecast that India will need to invest $10 trillion in green technologies and energy efficiency initiatives to meet its decarbonisation goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India is already making remarkable progress in its commitment to a sustainable future. India is taking proactive steps to address a 6% increase in greenhouse gas emissions last year by heavily investing in renewable energy. The largest share of funds will be allocated to clean energy projects, with substantial investments in transport, automotive, and oil and gas to adopt greener practices. This commitment underscores India's dedication to creating a more sustainable environment for future generations.
In 2024, India unveiled its National Electricity Plan (Transmission) developed by the Central Electricity Authority with a stated target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032. By the end of 2024, India's renewable energy capacity skyrocketed to 209.44 GW, up by nearly 16% from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by a surge in investment in solar power initiatives and steady gains in wind energy. Other renewable sources like bioenergy and small hydropower also contributed to this green wave.(1) As such, India is set to exceed their target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
With power demand projected to double within the next 7 years, electric vehicles and data centres are expecting to be significant growth drivers, with renewable energy and transmission sectors also offering substantial potential. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims for 1,800 GW of renewable energy by 2047 and has implemented various policies and incentives to promote renewable energy, including the development of green hydrogen policies. These include the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) – a program providing financial incentives for the manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of green hydrogen.(2)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Andhra Pradesh, India’s first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen (NGH) Mission. The project is a joint venture between NGEL and the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) and aims to develop 20 GW of renewable energy projects, producing 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of green derivatives. This project is set to create numerous jobs and propel India towards a cleaner energy future. (3)
Various states throughout India are leading the charge with new solar power projects and incentives for rooftop solar installations. In January 2025, Rajasthan received an extra 5,000 megawatts (MW) allocation under the ‘PM-KUSUM’ Scheme and inaugurated four solar power projects in Jaisalmer with a total capacity of 1,200 MW. Additionally, Minister Joshi rolled out significant incentives for state electricity distribution companies (Discoms) to boost rooftop solar installations, (4) having disbursed $108.8 million under the Rooftop Solar Program Phase-II.(5)
The Low-Carbon Building Transition (ALCBT) Project is an initiative, supported by the Indo-German partnership, championing sustainable construction practices and reducing carbon emissions. The project is being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in five Asian countries, including India, and aims to train over 2,100 professionals in low-carbon building practices over the next two years. Experts emphasise the importance of reducing operational energy in buildings and using low-carbon building materials. With over 70% of buildings being expected to be constructed over the next few years, India has a golden opportunity to integrate low-carbon concepts and reduce its carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.(6)
All these projects, policies and initiatives are part of India’s grand vision to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070 and significantly boost its renewable energy by 2030. India’s proactive approach and innovative spirit in addressing environmental challenges highlight its determination to create a greener and more sustainable future. By investing in new technologies like green hydrogen and electric vehicles, India aims to set a global example in sustainable development and effectively combat climate change.
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We would like to thank Tahmina Begum, Jemil Visram and Shill Koria for their contributions to this article.
- India's Renewable Energy Capacity Reach 209 GW 16% Growth In 2024
- Hydrogen Schemes & Guidelines | MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY | India
- India's First Green Hydrogen Hub Launched In Andhra Pradesh By PM Modi
- https://menafn.com/1109116518/India-Set-To-Exceed-500-GW-Renewable-Energy-Target-By-2030-Minister-Joshi
- Government Disbursed ₹9.08 Billion Under the Rooftop Solar Program: R K Singh
- https://www.ibtimes.co.in/indias-construction-sector-projected-scale-1-4-trillion-by-2047-experts-focus-green-tech-878465
