UPEX 2026

Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet – India’s Bold March Toward Net-Zero

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As Earth Day 2025 marks its 55th year with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” India finds itself at the heart of a global energy transformation. The call to action is no longer about possibility—it is about intent, scale, and urgency. For a country striving to balance rapid economic development with environmental stewardship, the journey to Net-Zero emissions by 2070 is not just a commitment—it is a mission.

With over 200 GW of renewable energy capacity already installed, India’s clean energy momentum is undeniable. The nation’s ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 demonstrates a determined leap toward energy independence and carbon neutrality. Solar power continues to dominate new installations, accounting for nearly 80% of recent additions, while hybrid and wind energy are also seeing renewed investment.

Central to this energy revolution is the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, which consumes nearly half of India’s electricity. Driven by ESG goals, cost advantages, and a growing sense of environmental responsibility, this sector is no longer waiting for policy mandates. Companies are proactively investing in solar, wind, hybrid solutions, and carbon mitigation technologies. CleanMax, for example, is enabling large-scale decarbonization by offering integrated renewable energy solutions, helping industries transition toward sustainable operations.

Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder that achieving net-zero emissions is not a solitary effort—it requires bold corporate actions, meaningful partnerships, and technological innovation. Players like Emmvee are setting benchmarks by not only producing high-efficiency solar modules but also implementing sustainable practices like Zero Liquid Discharge in their manufacturing, and recycling over 90% of process water.

India’s roadmap is also rooted in systemic reforms. Between 2014 and 2018, fossil fuel subsidies were slashed by 85%, with funds redirected to clean energy projects. Plans are underway to tender 50 GW of solar capacity annually until FY 2027–28, complemented by significant investments in solar parks, EV infrastructure, and smart grid upgrades.

Technology remains a critical enabler. The National Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a global leader in green hydrogen, targeting 5 million metric tons of production by 2030. Similarly, advancements in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) will be crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel.

India’s transition strategy aligns closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), weaving together economic development, social progress, and environmental protection. The path to 2070 may be challenging, but India’s comprehensive, forward-thinking approach makes it both achievable and replicable.

As we celebrate Earth Day, we are reminded that sustainable change is not optional—it is essential. The rising demands for energy, infrastructure, and growth must be met without compromising our planet’s future. Through bold vision, consistent execution, and shared responsibility, India is charting a greener path where economic prosperity and ecological harmony go hand in hand.

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Mr. Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director, CleanMax

“As Earth Day marks its 55th year with the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ the message is clear: the future of energy is about real intent. With over 200 GW of renewable capacity, India’s clean energy shift is led by the C&I sector. ESG goals, cost factors, and decarbonization urgency are driving this. Companies are acting, not waiting. At CleanMax, we’re enabling this transition with integrated solutions. Hybrid and wind growth show market maturity, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. Earth Day reminds us: achieving net-zero requires bold collaboration and innovation that matches the urgency of the climate crisis.”

Mr. D.V. Manjunatha, Managing Director & Founder, Emmvee

“At Emmvee, we support India’s Net-Zero commitment as a crucial step toward a sustainable and energy-independent future. As a solar leader, we’re proud to contribute by designing modules that cut carbon footprints and implementing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) tech in our factories, recycling 90% of the water used. Innovation and long-term responsibility are our foundation. We aim to build a sustainable business that supports global climate goals. Through collaboration, bold thinking, and consistent execution, Emmvee is committed to accelerating the renewable energy transition, working across sectors and communities to ensure impactful progress toward sustainability.”

Mr. Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar

“India is leading the way to a sustainable future, anchored in promises made at COP26. Our goal: net zero by 2070, supported by a strategic push for 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar leads the charge, accounting for 80% of new capacity, with 50 GW to be tendered annually through FY 2027-28. Reforms have cut fossil fuel subsidies by 85%, redirecting funds to clean energy. Initiatives like the National Hydrogen Mission and CCUS tech reinforce India’s alignment with the SDGs, ensuring sustainability is central to economic development and energy security.”

Mr. Dipankar Bose, Hero Future Energies

Earth Day reminds us that the energy transition isn’t just about moving beyond fossil fuels—it’s about embracing green technologies that meet our people’s needs. Innovation must walk hand in hand with sustainability. At Hero Future Energies, we believe sustainability is not a choice, it’s a responsibility. Let’s challenge limits and power a greener future where clean energy protects every being and empowers every life.

Mr. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables

This Earth Day, Serentica Renewables reaffirms its role in India’s net-zero journey by targeting 17 GW renewable capacity by 2030. We provide firm, dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) to energy-intensive industries, enabling them to reduce carbon footprints. As a leading IPP, our goal is to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and build a resilient, low-carbon economy through every investment and initiative.

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Avantika Gupta, CEO, OPG Power Generation Private Limited

Earth Day reaffirms our values of sustainable power generation. At OPG, we integrate dry cooling and air-cooled condensers to reduce water use. We champion water stewardship through real-time monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and the 4R framework—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Regenerate. Bamboo cultivation is part of our decarbonization strategy to absorb CO₂. We’re aligning with Net Zero goals for a greener, responsible future.

Mr. Praveen Kakulte, CEO, Powercon Group

“Earth Day reminds us that environmental challenges are deeply tied to how we live and grow. Resource strain and climate change demand a new growth model. Renewable energy is vital, but we must also enhance efficiency, storage, and access. Government action through smart policies and strong infrastructure is essential for enabling this shift. With nearly 80% of global energy still fossil-based, the need—and opportunity—for transition is immense. This year’s theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ highlights that true change needs shared commitment. When governments, industries, and communities act together, we can build a thriving, sustainable future for all.”

Mr. Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director & CEO – Hartek Group

“Our Power, Our Planet” reflects our vision for a cleaner future. Tripling clean electricity by 2030 means tripling our ambition. At Hartek, we view this as a chance to lead by scaling renewables and transforming power systems. We’re enabling businesses and communities to enhance their sustainability footprint. Through seamless implementation and dependable service, we are committed to driving India’s energy transition with real, measurable impact—making Hartek a key catalyst in building a sustainable energy landscape for generations ahead.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd & Hindustan Zinc Ltd

Earth Day reminds us to reflect on our planetary impact. At Vedanta, sustainability is a responsibility that drives every decision—from scaling renewables to producing green metals and empowering climate champions through the Vedanta Academy. Our journey through Vedanta 2.0 is a transformation toward a greener, more resilient future. Each action reflects our long-term environmental commitment.

Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO, Sustain Labs Paris

Every day is Earth Day at Sustain Labs Paris. Since 2017, we’ve built companies centered on people and the planet. If an organization improves Earth and lives, we partner to build it. I’m thrilled to announce our new program—SLP Innovation Expand—with the Dubai government, supporting and co-funding cutting-edge climate-tech companies for global impact.

Ms. Dhanya Rajeswaran, Global Vice President and Country Managing Director, Fluence

This Earth Day, “Our Power, Our Planet” is a call for shared responsibility. At Fluence, we lead the clean energy transition through advanced energy storage solutions from our Global Innovation Center. Our goal: accelerate renewable energy adoption and help triple global renewable capacity by 2030. Together, we can power a better, sustainable tomorrow.

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Mr. Manas Raghuvanshi, Director, BN Welfare Foundation

“Our Power, Our Planet” calls for real action. At BN Group, we’ve created Mathura’s first urban forest, installed solar in schools, and cleared 5,000 kg of waste with student volunteers. These community-based efforts—grounded in clean energy and restoration—reflect our belief that change doesn’t need to be massive, just consistent. The future demands action.

Mr. Anupam Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, MiniMines Cleantech Solutions

This Earth Day, let’s recognize clean technology as a solution to heal the planet. Battery and mineral recycling are key to transforming energy systems. With a projected $2 trillion global market by 2035, clean tech empowers us to address climate challenges and build a resilient, sustainable future.

Mr. Jagannath Prasad, CEO, Runaya Recycling Business

Sustainability lies in reimagining waste. At Runaya, we recover valuable materials from industrial by-products, reintegrating them into the supply chain. This reduces waste and drives transformation. In mining and metals, circular economy isn’t a future vision—it’s our current strategy for responsible industrial growth.

Mr. Ayush Patodia, AVP, Avalon Consulting

India’s energy transition is underway. By 2030, 64% of power will come from non-fossil sources, with solar contributing 293 GW. Domestic solar manufacturing is growing, and 200 GW of solar projects are underway. BESS is set to rise from 0.11 GW to 3.9 GW, creating vast opportunities for India’s green ecosystem.

Mr. Vivek Bhatia, MD & CEO, TKIL Industries

Sustainability guides TKIL’s growth. We align with India’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030 and 50% emissions reduction. Through investments in green hydrogen, CBG, and renewables, we’re building a clean, self-reliant energy future where industrial growth and environmental responsibility progress together.

The power to protect our planet lies in our hands—and India is rising to that challenge


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