India is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its energy sector, with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon, sustainable economy by 2070. The country is shifting its priorities from capacity addition to creating an integrated, robust, and future-proof energy infrastructure. Solar power is expected to play a crucial role in this transition, with India’s solar capacity projected to reach 280 GW by 2030. The growth of solar energy is driven by falling panel costs, rising manufacturing, and the increasing adoption of distributed rooftop installations.
However, to fully harness the potential of solar energy, India must invest in smart energy management systems, transmission, and grid integration. This will enable the country to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, which is essential for energy security. Another area of focus is waste-to-energy, which can help reduce India’s dependence on landfills and mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal. Waste-to-energy plants can produce baseload power, reducing methane emissions and providing a cleaner source of energy.
Energy storage is also critical to India’s energy transition, as it can fill the gap between demand and supply, providing reliability and stability to the grid. The country is exploring various storage technologies, including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and pumped storage hydropower. Pumped storage hydropower, in particular, offers a proven and scalable solution for large-scale storage, and several projects are currently in the fast-track mode.
To achieve its net-zero goal, India needs to align its policies and accelerate the execution of its clean energy transition plans. This requires quicker clearances, increased public-private partnerships, and a focus on innovation and investment. The government has already initiated several policy measures, such as renewable procurement obligations, energy efficiency standards, and incentives for green hydrogen and storage. However, more decisive action is needed to realize the ambitious 2070 deadline.
Ultimately, India’s energy future will depend on the synergy between multiple technologies, including solar, waste-to-energy, and storage. Convergence facilitated by policy, innovation, and investment can help create a clean, secure, and equitable energy system. The transition to a low-carbon economy is not just an environmental requirement but a strategic choice to transform India’s economy for growth and sustainability. By leveraging these opportunities, India can create a more sustainable and resilient energy system that supports its economic development and improves the lives of its citizens.