India has witnessed an unprecedented 4,000% growth in solar capacity over the past decade, bringing the nation’s total renewable energy capacity to an impressive 227 GW, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced at the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) held in the capital.
Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the clean energy transition, Goyal said the country may become the first G20 nation to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule.
“Ensuring energy security for our citizens is not just a priority but also a responsibility,” Goyal quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered at the IESW.
India’s Clean Energy Expansion: By the Numbers
- 4,000% increase in installed solar capacity
- 227 GW total renewable energy capacity
- 38x rise in solar PV module manufacturing capacity
- 21x increase in PV cell manufacturing
Goal: 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030
Energy Storage and Supply Chain: Top Priorities
Goyal emphasized that energy storage technologies—including batteries, pumped hydro, and nuclear—will be critical to delivering round-the-clock clean energy. He outlined a four-pronged strategy to advance India’s energy ambitions:
- Innovation and R&D
- Infrastructure development
- Supply chain resilience
- Integrated clean energy value chain
The minister also pointed to the recent approval of a ₹1 lakh crore R&D and Innovation Fund, which aims to scale India’s technological development in next-gen energy solutions, including solid-state and hybrid battery storage.
Building Self-Reliance and Reducing Import Dependency
Citing recent global supply chain disruptions—such as China’s restrictions on rare earth magnets and fertilizer exports—Goyal called on the Indian energy storage industry to reduce overdependence on specific geographies.
“We must look at alternative sources of supply and build resilience into our value chain,” he stated, urging companies to invest in domestic innovation and manufacturing.
He also encouraged enhanced collaboration among industry stakeholders to build widespread charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, a crucial step to accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption across India.
Flagship Schemes Fueling Solar Adoption
Goyal highlighted major government programs, including:
- PM Surya Ghar Yojana—Rooftop solar for 1 crore households
- PM-KUSUM Yojana—Solar pumps for agriculture
- PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells—Boosting domestic battery manufacturing
Showcasing Sustainability in Practice
The IESW venue itself—Yashobhoomi Convention Centre—was spotlighted by Goyal as a model of sustainability, equipped with rooftop solar, wastewater treatment, and energy-efficient systems. He also cited Palli village in J&K, India’s first carbon-neutral panchayat, as a symbol of localized clean energy success.
A Vision for a Greener India
Reiterating the nation’s 2030 vision of 500 GW of renewable capacity, Goyal urged the industry to cover the entire clean energy value chain, from raw materials and cell manufacturing to semiconductors, battery packs, energy management systems, and recycling.
The 11th edition of India Energy Storage Week served as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, policy frameworks, and global collaborations that will shape the future of India’s energy security and climate goals.
