Renewable Energy Transition Can Drive Growth: VP Radhakrishnan

• India’s non-fossil fuel capacity crosses 300 GW.
• Solar power capacity rises to over 170 GW.
• More than 65 lakh households join PM Surya Ghar.
• Vice-President calls for a people-driven clean energy movement.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Nov: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan has said India’s renewable energy transition demonstrates that environmental commitments can accelerate economic growth rather than hinder development, pointing to the country’s expanding clean energy capacity and growing access to solar power.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday, the Vice-President highlighted India’s progress in renewable energy and its potential to empower households, farmers and communities.

Recalling earlier doubts about whether a developing country of India’s size could sustain rapid economic growth while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Radhakrishnan said the country had answered those questions through its achievements.

He noted that India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity had crossed 300 GW and that the country achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment. Solar power capacity, he added, had grown from less than 3 GW to more than 170 GW over the past decade.

The Vice-President also pointed out that solar power, once several times more expensive than coal-based electricity, is now among India’s cheapest sources of electricity. He attributed this progress to policy initiatives, private enterprise and the efforts of states and citizens.

On hydrogen energy, Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that continued advances in science and technology would make it increasingly affordable. He described India’s clean energy transformation as an inspiring example for countries across the Global South.

Clean Energy and Household Prosperity
Highlighting the impact of government initiatives, the Vice-President said more than 65 lakh households had joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

He also referred to the nearly 30 lakh farmers who have benefited under PM-KUSUM, noting that solar pumps can reduce diesel expenses and create opportunities for additional income. Farmers, he said, can become both producers of food and providers of energy.

Radhakrishnan further highlighted the role of PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity may not be feasible.

He stressed that access to electricity can expand opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and livelihoods, adding that energy solutions must address the distinct needs of urban, rural and remote communities.

Calls for Wider Public Participation
Describing the clean energy movement as a Jan Andolan, the Vice-President said the transition could not be driven by the government alone. He called for active participation from teachers, students, entrepreneurs and citizens.

He also urged stronger engagement between industry and academic institutions, stressing the importance of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” he said.

Invoking Mission LiFE, Radhakrishnan encouraged energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption and responsible disposal. He observed that individual actions, when adopted on a large scale, could make a meaningful contribution to sustainability.

Looking ahead, he said the coming decade would be crucial for achieving global climate goals. He reiterated India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

With India’s electricity demand projected to rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, he emphasised the need to ensure that future energy requirements are met through clean, reliable and affordable power.

Urging participants to translate the summit’s discussions into practical outcomes, he said, “Turn discussions into projects, and projects into power.”

The Vice-President also presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to best-performing states, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay Kumar Sood and Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi were among those present.