Renewable Energy in India :Targets, Current Status, Key Policies, Challenges & Way Forward

• Renewable Energy (RE) refers to energy derived from natural resources that replenish themselves faster than they are consumed.
• Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, etc.
• These sources are environment-friendly, sustainable, and carbon-neutral compared to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

India’s Renewable Energy Targets

Under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as per the Paris Agreement, India has set the following key targets:

1. To achieve 50% of total installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
2. To install 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030 — known as the “Panchamrit” target.
3. To achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Current Status of Renewable Energy in India (as of June 2025)

• India ranks:
  • 4th globally in total renewable energy capacity,
  • 3rd in solar energy capacity, and
  • 4th in wind energy capacity.

Major Policies and Initiatives

1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM, 2010): Promotes large-scale solar power generation and manufacturing.
2. National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018): Encourages combined use of wind and solar resources for optimal utilization.
3. Green Energy Corridor Project: Strengthens transmission infrastructure to integrate renewable energy into the national grid.
4. PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar energy use in the agriculture sector (solar pumps, grid-connected plants, etc.).
5. National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Aims to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen by 2030.
6. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Policy 2024: Framework to enhance energy storage capacity and grid stability.

Key Challenges

1. Intermittency and Supply Instability
   • Solar and wind generation depend on weather conditions.
   • Lack of storage infrastructure affects grid reliability.
2. Dependence on Critical Minerals
   • Solar panels, turbines, and batteries rely on rare earth elements such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite — concentrated in countries like China.
3. Land and Environmental Pressures
   • Solar parks require vast land (approx. 4–5 acres per MW).
   • Competes with agricultural land and may disturb ecological balance.
4. Lifecycle Cost and Waste Management
   • Manufacturing solar panels and batteries consumes significant water and emits carbon.
   • Solar and electronic waste management infrastructure is still weak.
5. Financial and Policy Coordination Issues
   • Poor financial health of DISCOMs (distribution companies).
   • Lack of uniform state-level policies and slow approval processes.

Way Forward

1. Round-the-Clock (RTC) Renewable Power Supply
   • Combine solar, wind, and storage systems to ensure 24×7 power availability.
2. Investment in Energy Storage Systems
   • Promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Hydro Storage for balancing supply-demand gaps.
3. Securing Mineral Supply Chains
   • Strengthen partnerships like the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).
   • Enhance domestic mining and recycling capacity for key minerals.
4. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D)
   • Focus on next-generation solar cells, green hydrogen, smart grids, and microgrids.
5. Centre-State Coordination & Policy Reform
   • Simplify land acquisition, grid connectivity, and approval processes.
6. Private Investment & Global Cooperation
   • Strengthen international initiatives such as “One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” to expand global renewable collaboration.

Conclusion

• India has made remarkable progress in renewable energy, with over 226 GW of installed capacity. 
• Emerging initiatives in green hydrogen and energy storage are shaping the future of sustainable energy security.
• However, challenges like intermittency, mineral dependency, and financial constraints persist.
• With policy coherence, technological innovation, and strong global partnerships, India is well-positioned to achieve its 2030 renewable energy goals and emerge as a model for sustainable and inclusive energy transition.