A Promising Future: The Rise of Renewable Energy in India and the Road to Net Zero by 2070

A Promising Future: The Rise of Renewable Energy in India and the Road to Net Zero by 2070

India, the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is on a transformative path toward a greener and more sustainable future. With global pressure mounting and the visible impacts of climate change becoming impossible to ignore, the rise of renewable energy in India has taken center stage. This remarkable shift comes with both opportunity and challenge, but it is filled with promise—especially as India commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The rise of renewable energy in India is not just a political or environmental imperative—it’s a socio-economic revolution shaping how India will grow and sustain itself in the decades to come.

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India’s Commitment to Net Zero by 2070

At the COP26 climate summit, India announced its bold pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2070. While this target is two decades later than some of the world’s leading economies, it reflects a pragmatic balance between development and decarbonization. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding economy, India’s energy needs are vast.

However, the government’s roadmap for net zero hinges largely on a rapid expansion of clean energy sources. The rise of renewable energy in India is therefore essential—not just desirable—to meet this commitment.

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Solar Power: The Brightest Beacon in India’s Green Future

Solar energy is the backbone of India’s renewable strategy. The country benefits from high solar irradiance across most regions and has aggressively pushed solar installations.

As of 2025, India has crossed over 80 GW of installed solar capacity, with projects ranging from vast utility-scale solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat to decentralized rooftop solar systems in urban and rural homes.

Government initiatives like the PM-KUSUM scheme support farmers in adopting solar-powered irrigation pumps, reducing reliance on diesel and making agriculture more sustainable. Moreover, the National Solar Mission, part of the broader National Action Plan on Climate Change, aims to establish India as a global leader in solar technology.

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Wind Energy: Harnessing the Power of Nature

Next to solar, wind energy plays a critical role in the rise of renewable energy in India. With strong coastal and inland wind corridors, especially in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, wind power has seen robust growth.

India now ranks among the top five countries globally in installed wind power capacity, with over 45 GW of wind projects operational as of early 2025. The government has set ambitious goals for hybrid wind-solar projects, which maximize energy output and reduce costs.

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Environmental Implications: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of renewable energy in India offers substantial environmental benefits—most notably, reducing the country’s dependence on coal, which currently fuels over 70% of electricity generation.

Transitioning to renewables can:

• Significantly cut carbon emissions
• Improve air quality
• Conserve water resources used in thermal power plants
• Reduce health costs related to pollution

However, there are challenges. Large-scale renewable projects can disrupt local ecosystems. Solar parks, for instance, require vast land tracts, sometimes in ecologically sensitive areas. Wind farms, while clean, can affect bird migration and local biodiversity.

Thus, sustainable planning and environmental assessments must go hand-in-hand with the expansion of renewable energy in India.

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Economic and Social Impact of the Green Transition

The renewable energy sector is also emerging as a massive job creator. According to estimates, India could generate over 3 million jobs by 2030 in the solar, wind, and clean energy supply chains. From manufacturing solar panels to installing and maintaining wind turbines, this sector is redefining employment landscapes, especially in rural areas.

Moreover, reducing import dependence on fossil fuels can save billions in foreign exchange and strengthen energy security.

Yet, the transition is not without hurdles. Coal remains a vital part of India’s energy economy, employing millions directly and indirectly. Balancing the move away from coal with ensuring just transitions for workers is a critical challenge ahead.

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Challenges Ahead on the Path to Net Zero

Despite impressive progress, several barriers stand in the way of scaling up renewable energy in India:

• Financing gaps: Renewable projects require substantial upfront investment, and many developers face issues securing affordable financing.
• Grid integration: The variability of solar and wind energy requires upgraded infrastructure to store and distribute power efficiently.
• Policy uncertainties: Fluctuating tariffs, delays in approvals, and inconsistent policies across states hinder private sector participation.
• Land acquisition issues: Renewable projects often face resistance over land use, especially when affecting local communities or agriculture.

To overcome these, India needs a stable regulatory environment, innovative financial models (like green bonds), and stronger public-private partnerships.

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Future Outlook: Can India Achieve Net Zero by 2070?

The path is complex but not impossible. If current momentum continues, India is well-placed to meet over 50% of its energy needs through renewables by 2030, as pledged. Reaching net zero by 2070 will also require:

• Widespread electrification of transport
• Adoption of green hydrogen
• Energy efficiency across industries
• Technological innovation in storage and carbon capture

The rise of renewable energy in India is more than just a climate action strategy—it’s a national movement toward energy independence, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship.

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Conclusion: Hope and Responsibility

The rise of renewable energy in India is undoubtedly a story of hope. It showcases how a developing nation can lead with ambition, responsibility, and vision. Achieving net zero by 2070 is a monumental task, but not beyond India’s reach—especially if the momentum behind renewable energy continues to gather pace.

India stands at a historic crossroads. What it chooses today will determine the health of its economy, environment, and people for generations to come. The future, powered by the sun and wind, is calling—and India is answering.