India Hits a Significant Turning Point in the Development of Solar and Clean Energy

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that India's installed solar capacity has increased by an astounding 4,000 percent, bringing the nation's renewable energy capacity to a healthy 227 GW. The minister stated that India is probably the first G20 country to have fulfilled its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement while speaking at the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025.

He emphasized that, given India's cost advantages, the recently approved Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Fund, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has the potential to match R&D investments of Rs 6-7 lakh crore in advanced economies. In terms of infrastructure, the minister urged increased cooperation between interested parties to construct charging and battery swapping systems, which would hasten the uptake of electric vehicles and guarantee accessible, reasonably priced e-mobility.

“India’s ambition should encompass the entire value chain, from raw materials and cell components to battery packs, semiconductors, management systems, and recycling, ensuring a robust and self-sustained clean energy ecosystem,” Goyal told the gathering. He mentioned the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to equip 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels to make them energy self-sufficient and growth for renewable energy to reduce electricity bills.

Also Read: Kanpur's Rs 700 Cr EV Hub to Supercharge India's Green Mobility

The PM Kusum Yojana, which encourages the growth of solar pumps in India's rural economy, was also highlighted by the minister. He also mentioned that the government has started a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program to increase the production of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC).

In order to meet India's future energy needs, the minister emphasized the significance of storage technologies, whether they take the form of batteries, pumped storage, hydro storage, or geothermal.