India Reaffirms Global Renewable Energy Leadership at IRENA Assembly

India reiterated its strong commitment to a just, equitable and sustainable global energy transition at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency held in Abu Dhabi. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi delivered India’s national statement, outlining the country’s progress, priorities and expectations from global cooperation in accelerating renewable energy deployment.

India’s Equity-Centred Energy Transition Vision

Addressing the Assembly, the Union Minister stated that India’s energy transition is guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—One Earth, One Family, One Future. India’s long-term strategy is anchored in equity, inclusivity and policy stability. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed power capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070, aligned with national development priorities and global climate goals.

Early Achievement of Climate and Capacity Targets

India has already achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution target under the Paris Agreement. The country’s non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 266 GW, placing India among global leaders in renewable energy deployment. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major energy markets, India is strengthening grid resilience through energy storage, grid modernisation, Green Energy Corridors and innovative bidding mechanisms such as hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects.

People-Centric Programmes and Energy Access

The Union Minister highlighted that India’s energy transition is fundamentally people-centric. Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, around 2.5 million households have benefited from rooftop solar installations in less than two years, with a target of covering 10 million households by March 2027. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, about 2.17 million farmers have benefited through diesel pump replacement and solarisation of agricultural feeders, reducing input costs and emissions.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India achieved 50% non-fossil installed electricity capacity in 2025, ahead of its NDC timeline.
• India’s non-fossil energy capacity has crossed 266 GW.
• Target of 500 GW non-fossil power capacity by 2030.
• Net Zero emissions target year is 2070.

Investment Needs and Global Cooperation Imperative

The Union Minister noted that India alone will require around USD 300 billion in clean energy investment by 2030, spanning renewable generation, storage, green hydrogen, grids and manufacturing. Emphasising stable policies and transparent markets, he described India as a leading destination for clean energy investment. Calling for enhanced international cooperation, he stressed the need for technology transfer, access to low-cost finance, capacity building and harmonised standards, especially to support developing countries, Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in scaling up renewable energy without compromising development aspirations.