India’s Renewable Energy Sector Poised to Surpass 500 GW Target by 2030, Says Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

India’s renewable energy sector is set to become a global leader, with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announcing that the country is on track to exceed its 500 GW target by 2030. Addressing a Regional Review Meeting on Renewable Energy in Jaipur, Minister Joshi emphasized the critical role of renewable energy in India’s transition to a sustainable energy economy.

Key Highlights from the Regional Review Meeting:

• Renewable Energy Milestones: Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Nidhi Khare, reported that India has already surpassed 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, with solar power leading at 97 GW, followed by wind power at 48 GW and hydroelectric power at 52 GW. She stressed the importance of overcoming ongoing challenges and adopting best practices to meet future goals.
  
• Regional Focus: Discussions centered on the progress of renewable energy in Northern Region states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The meeting highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address specific challenges and identify opportunities for growth in these regions.
  
• Incentives for Rooftop Solar: During the meeting, Union Minister Joshi disbursed incentive amounts to various Distribution Companies (Discoms) for promoting rooftop solar installations. Notably, Jodhpur and Ajmer Discoms in Rajasthan received ₹39.43 crores and ₹17.59 crores, respectively, for the financial years 2021 to 2024.
  
• State-Level Reviews: The meeting underscored the importance of state-level reviews in strengthening the renewable energy sector. Previous reviews have been held in Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with future meetings planned in Visakhapatnam, Varanasi, and Guwahati. These reviews aim to foster collaboration and share innovative solutions across states.
   

Rajasthan’s Pivotal Role:

Minister Joshi highlighted Rajasthan’s significant contributions to India’s renewable energy goals. The state has been allocated an additional 5,000 MW under the PM Kusum Scheme as of January 2025. Additionally, four solar power projects totaling 1,200 MW have been inaugurated in Jaisalmer, reinforcing Rajasthan’s position as a leader in solar energy.

The Indian government remains committed to achieving its renewable energy targets, with plans for continued collaboration with state governments and industry stakeholders. The focus is on scaling sustainable solutions such as green hydrogen, battery storage, and distributed energy technologies to ensure a sustainable and energy-secure future for all.

India’s renewable energy sector is poised for significant growth, with strategic initiatives and investments paving the way for a sustainable energy future.