India Strengthens Global Renewable Energy Partnerships, Accelerates Policy Reforms: MNRE

The Government of India is intensifying global collaboration and accelerating domestic policy reforms to advance renewable energy deployment, energy storage, and grid integration, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) informed the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik, in a written reply, said the ministry is actively engaging with multiple countries and international organisations to promote cooperation in solar energy, wind power, green hydrogen, energy storage, and grid integration through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), Letters of Intent (LoIs), Joint Declarations of Intent (JDIs), energy dialogues, and strategic partnerships.

These collaborations focus on policy exchange, capacity building, knowledge sharing, personnel training, scientific cooperation, joint research, and technical development projects, alongside regular workshops, seminars, and working group engagements. The ministry also maintains extensive interaction with foreign governments and private sector stakeholders to strengthen international partnerships.

India currently has renewable energy cooperation frameworks with over 40 countries and global institutions, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, USA, UAE, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Egypt, Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Nigeria, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and IRENA, along with multilateral platforms such as the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trilateral Forum.

Policy Reforms and Sectoral Modernisation

The government has undertaken a series of structural reforms to modernise India’s renewable energy legislation, services, and sector governance. Key measures include the issuance of a bidding trajectory of 50 GW per annum from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28, allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route, and waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges for renewable energy projects.

Additionally, the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) trajectory has been notified till 2029-30, alongside standard bidding guidelines for tariff-based competitive procurement of solar, wind, wind-solar hybrid, and firm & dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects.

To facilitate large-scale deployment, the government continues to implement the Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects scheme, while strengthening evacuation infrastructure through financial support under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme.

Further regulatory reforms include net-metering provisions up to 500 kW, the National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023, and the notification of Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023 to regulate offshore wind development.

Technology Upgradation and Quality Assurance

To promote technological advancements and operational efficiency, the government has launched research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programmes, implemented Standard & Labelling schemes, issued Quality Control Orders, and mandated the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV modules and wind turbines.

Digitalisation and Green Innovation Drive

The ministry is also leveraging digital technologies to enhance transparency, monitoring, and efficiency across renewable energy projects. Digital platforms under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes are being deployed for application processing, project tracking, and beneficiary monitoring.

Advanced geospatial mapping, digital resource assessment tools, and project optimisation platforms are being adopted to improve site selection, project planning, and operational performance. These initiatives aim to strengthen long-term sustainability, resilience, and accountability across the renewable energy ecosystem.

Market Reforms and Payment Security

To ensure market efficiency and financial discipline, the government has notified Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022, enabling consumers with contract demand of 100 kW and above to procure renewable energy. The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) has also been launched to facilitate power trading through energy exchanges.

Additionally, power dispatch has been linked to Letters of Credit (LCs) or advance payments, strengthening payment security mechanisms for renewable energy generators.