“Future of Energy Security Lies in Clean Energy”: PM Modi

• PM Modi inaugurates Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
• India crosses nearly 300 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity.
• More than 65 lakh households join the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
• Clean energy investment opportunities projected to exceed ₹20 lakh crore by 2030.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, calling clean energy the foundation of future energy security and urging India to accelerate its transition towards renewable power.

Addressing industry leaders, investors, startup representatives and international delegates, Modi said global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing West Asia crisis, had demonstrated the importance of energy independence. He said India had maintained robust economic growth despite global challenges, supported by a decade of investment and reforms in the clean energy sector.

“The future of Energy Security lies in Clean Energy,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that dependence on limited fossil fuel reserves leaves economies vulnerable to external shocks.

India achieves clean energy milestones
Highlighting India’s renewable energy progress, Modi said the country had achieved its commitment to source 50 per cent of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target.

India has crossed nearly 300 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity and now aims to add another 500 GW over the next 10 to 11 years, he said.

The Prime Minister described the country’s clean energy journey as one driven by promises, passion and performance, adding that India was keen to share its experience and innovations with other nations.

Rooftop solar and farmers at the centre
Referring to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, Modi said more than 65 lakh households had joined the rooftop solar initiative. The scheme aims to cover one crore households.

He said the programme was helping families reduce electricity expenses, with some households earning additional income by selling surplus power to the grid.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the contribution of solar power to agriculture. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, more than 30 lakh farmers have received solar irrigation support. He urged farmers to use vacant land and farm boundaries for installing solar panels rather than relying only on solar pumps.

He also pointed to the installation of solar systems on more than 44,000 government buildings, generating annual savings of nearly ₹700 crore.

Push for innovation and domestic manufacturing
Calling the next phase of the solar revolution an era of innovation, Modi urged startups, IITs, researchers and entrepreneurs to develop all-weather solar solutions capable of meeting a household’s maximum energy requirements.

He suggested expanding rooftop solar cooking facilities and solar-powered charging for electric two-wheelers and cars. He also called for dedicated solar equipment for dairy farming, animal fodder, harvesting and post-harvest activities.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growth in domestic solar manufacturing, noting that solar module production capacity had increased from around 2 GW a decade ago to more than 200 GW. Solar cell manufacturing capacity has also reached nearly 40 GW.

He said indigenous storage technology and battery manufacturing would be crucial to the next stage of the renewable energy transition.

₹20 lakh crore investment opportunity
Modi said the renewable energy sector had attracted investments of more than ₹15 lakh crore over the past decade, including over ₹6 lakh crore in the two years since the 2024 RE-INVEST Summit.

Investment opportunities in India’s clean energy sector are projected to exceed ₹20 lakh crore by the end of the decade, he said, inviting global investors to benefit from the country’s growing demand, policy stability and manufacturing potential.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s international clean energy initiatives, including the proposed $200 million Africa Solar Facility, aimed at supporting solar energy development across the continent.

The summit coincides with the Ninth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance and the Fourth Conference on Green Hydrogen. Modi said the coming decade would be crucial for global climate goals and called for wider international cooperation to build a cleaner, greener and more secure future.