Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, announced that India plans to add 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity over the next 10–11 years. He also linked the country’s growing clean-energy capacity with economic resilience, particularly amid the continuing West Asia crisis.
India’s Clean Energy Journey: Promises, Passion, Performance
India’s renewable-energy progress was described through the three pillars of “promises, passion and performance.”
Under its Paris Agreement commitments, India had set a target of deriving 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources. The country achieved this milestone in 2025, five years ahead of the original schedule.
India currently has around 308 GW of installed non-fossil capacity, accounting for about 55.1% of its total installed power capacity of 558.89 GW. The country has also emerged as one of the leading global markets for solar and renewable energy.
How Renewable Investment Cushioned the West Asia Crisis
The recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have highlighted the close relationship between energy security and economic security.
According to the Prime Minister, investments in renewable energy over the past decade have helped India reduce its vulnerability to external fossil-fuel shocks. Unlike conventional fuels, renewable resources are widely distributed and offer countries greater scope to build domestic energy capacity.
The Investment Opportunity: $220 Billion by Decade’s End
More than $164 billion has reportedly been invested in India’s renewable-energy sector over the past decade. Since the 2024 RE-INVEST Summit, around $63 billion has been invested.
By the end of the decade, investment opportunities exceeding ₹20 lakh crore ($220 billion) could emerge across renewable generation, transmission, manufacturing and energy storage.
Beyond Solar and Wind: Green Hydrogen and Clean Cooking
India’s clean-energy strategy extends beyond solar and wind to green hydrogen, nuclear power, hydropower and emerging technologies.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to produce 50 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen annually by the end of the decade. The government is also promoting clean mobility and exploring solar-based alternatives for household cooking.
Empowering Citizens: From “Annadata” to “Urjadata”
Schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM seek to expand citizen participation in clean-energy generation.
The Prime Minister called for farmers to become energy producers by installing solar panels on unused farmland and field boundaries. The idea of transforming the “Annadata” into an “Urjadata” reflects a broader shift towards decentralised and community-driven renewable energy.
Conclusion
India’s renewable-energy expansion is increasingly being viewed not only as a climate strategy but also as an instrument of energy security, economic resilience and industrial development. With large investment opportunities and initiatives spanning green hydrogen, storage, clean mobility and farmer-led solar generation, India is seeking to reduce its dependence on geographically concentrated fossil-fuel supplies while building a more resilient energy economy.
FAQs - India’s Renewable Energy Push
What is India’s new non-fossil energy capacity goal?
According to the article, India plans to add 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity over the next 10–11 years. Non-fossil capacity includes nuclear power as well as renewables.
What clean-energy milestone did India achieve in 2025?
India reached 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of its original schedule. This milestone refers to installed capacity, rather than electricity actually generated.
How can renewable energy improve India’s energy security?
Generating more power from domestic renewable sources can reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels and global price shocks. The article highlights this benefit in the context of tensions in West Asia.
What investment opportunities could India’s energy transition create?
The article estimates that investment opportunities could exceed ₹20 lakh crore (about $220 billion) by the end of the decade across renewable power generation, transmission, manufacturing and energy storage.
What does turning farmers from “Annadata” into “Urjadata” mean?
It means helping farmers become energy producers as well as food producers. Under initiatives such as PM-KUSUM, farmers can use suitable land for solar power generation, opening up an additional source of income.
