8SEPTEMBER, 2025INDIA ACHIEVES 30 GW RENEWABLE ENERGY ADDITIONS SAID PRALHAD JOSHITCS, IIT KANPUR PARTNER TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE URBAN GROWTHIndia is set for a significant capacity increase in renewable energy with 30 GW already installed this year and possibly between 39 GW and 43 GW by December 2025, Union Power Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed with reporters today.Joshi commented during an industry event that close to 22 GW of solar and wind power were installed during the first half of the year and now stands at around 30 GW.He expressed confidence that the faster installation rate meant India was well on track to make its ambitious goal of 500 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030, with 226 GW already in operation.Joshi disclosed 67.08 GW of projects had been tendered and 186.3 GW were already notable, these along with the installed capacity reflects a significant investment pipeline of almost 499 GW in total and strong future growth in the sector. The government is currently addressing obstacles related to delays in signing power sale contracts, improving weather forecasting for operational efficiencies, and launching a comprehensive transmission strategy to accommodate and connect this new capacity, especially in renewable dominated states.In addition, the minister confirmed the launch of the second phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme and the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor project to accelerate the clean energy push. A recent HSBC report noted that India's power sector saw strong commissioning in July, adding 3.2 GW of renewable and 2 GW of conventional power, taking FY26 year-to-date additions to 21 GW. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services and business solutions, has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) to tackle one of India's most critical issues: sustainable urbanization.The AIRAWAT Research Foundation, established by IIT Kanpur with support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is focused on reimagining how cities are developed. Through this partnership, TCS and the Foundation will apply artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to address urban planning challenges across India.According to the United Nations, by 2050, 68% of the global population will live in urban centers, leading to a massive shift from rural to urban areas. India alone will see an increase of 416 million urban residents by that time, driving economic growth but also creating challenges in urban mobility, energy consumption, pollution controls, and governance.Without careful planning, urban expansion could strain infrastructure and reduce long-term sustainability. TCS and IIT-K aim to overcome these obstacles, ensuring cities are resilient, equitable, and climate-conscious. The partnership will focus on transforming urban spaces into thriving ecosystems, integrating AI, data insights, and systems-based thinking.Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized, "India's cities are central to the nation's growth and have the potential to lead sustainable urban futures. By utilizing AI and data-driven solutions, we aim to create cities that are resilient and climate-conscious. The AIRAWAT Consortium, in collaboration with TCS, is advancing this vision and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable urban development TOP STORIES8SEPTEMBER, 2025
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