Renewable Energy Expansion and Climate Action Highlights at IRENA Assembly. ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
India reaffirmed its leadership in the global energy transition during the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi delivered India’s national statement that underscored the country’s commitment to a just, equitable and inclusive energy transition rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future). This guiding principle anchors India’s long-term renewable energy strategy, which prioritises equitable access, policy stability and collaborative solutions for global decarbonisation.
In his address, Minister Joshi highlighted India’s progress toward achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. India has already crossed the milestone of 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity in 2025 — five years ahead of its initial 2030 target — with total installed renewable capacity surpassing 266 GW. This achievement positions India among the world’s leading renewable energy markets and reflects rapid deployment of solar, wind and hybrid power.
The Minister outlined strategic enablers underpinning this transition, including accelerated deployment of energy storage solutions, grid modernisation, and the development of Green Energy Corridors. Innovative competitive bidding mechanisms like round-the-clock renewable contracts are expanding the reliability of clean energy supply. India’s focus on strengthening domestic clean energy supply chains, encompassing solar, wind, batteries and electrolysers, is also enhancing energy security while creating resilience against global supply shocks.
People-centric programmes formed another core element of India’s presentation. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has facilitated rooftop solar installations in approximately 2.5 million households within the past two years, with a target to reach 10 million households by March 2027. Similarly, the PM-KUSUM scheme has supported about 2.17 million farmers through solar water pumping and feeder solarisation, reducing dependence on diesel and lowering emissions in agricultural practices.
Minister Joshi also emphasised the scale of investment required to meet India’s ambitious renewable goals. An estimated USD 300 billion will be needed by 2030, presenting ample opportunities for domestic and foreign capital across renewable generation, storage, green hydrogen, grid infrastructure and manufacturing. Transparent policy frameworks and predictable markets underpin India’s attractiveness as a destination for clean energy investment.
In his closing remarks, the Minister reiterated the importance of multilateral collaboration. He called for enhanced technology transfer, access to affordable climate finance, capacity building and international standard harmonisation — especially to support developing countries in scaling renewables without compromising their development needs. India also reaffirmed its support for IRENA initiatives and expressed readiness to share expertise with Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Strategic significance lies in India’s positioning as a key renewable energy hub with robust policy frameworks that support ESG-aligned investments and inclusive energy access. Accelerated capacity additions and targeted community programmes reinforce India’s climate leadership while driving capital flows into sustainable infrastructure. For investors and corporates, this signals strengthening governance, market incentives and long-term opportunities in renewables and energy transition technologies.
Image Credit: SolarQuarter
