India Emerges As A Global Leader In Renewable Energy And Energy Security – MNRE

India’s renewable energy sector took center stage during a high-level discussion on sustainability and energy security at the 10th edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership Conversation Series. The panel discussion, titled “Energy Security through Renewable Energies,” was co-organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and international partners to explore how renewable energy can strengthen energy security while supporting long-term economic growth.

The discussion featured key speakers, including Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan. Other panelists included Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder and Chairperson of Sustainability at ReNew, and Aparna Roy, Fellow and Lead at the Observer Research Foundation. The session was moderated by Shreya Jai, Energy Lead at Climate Trends.

Addressing the gathering, Sarangi highlighted India’s impressive progress in renewable energy over the last decade. He said that a strong and supportive policy framework has helped the country emerge as a global leader in clean energy deployment. According to him, policies such as Renewable Purchase and Consumption Obligations and Standard Bidding Guidelines have played a crucial role in encouraging competitive procurement of solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects.

The Secretary also noted that the government’s decision to allow up to 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment through the automatic route has attracted significant investments into the renewable energy sector. He emphasized that these policy measures have helped create a favorable environment for rapid expansion and innovation.

To strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, the government has introduced initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). These measures have encouraged indigenous manufacturing capabilities and contributed to making India’s renewable energy growth increasingly market-driven.

Sarangi further highlighted the role of flagship programs such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM. He said these initiatives are empowering households and farmers to actively participate in the clean energy transition. Looking ahead, he pointed to emerging opportunities in Agri-PV and floating solar projects, which could further expand renewable energy deployment across the country.

The Secretary also underlined the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He said the mission has the potential to reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while supporting industrial decarbonisation and energy security. He added that future priorities should include grid modernisation, improved forecasting systems, circular economy practices for clean technologies, and greater mobilisation of climate finance.

Speaking during the event, Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann praised India’s achievements in renewable energy and stressed the importance of international cooperation. He said India and Germany share common objectives related to energy security and sustainable development. According to him, stronger bilateral partnerships can help both countries address evolving geopolitical and energy challenges.

The event reinforced the importance of the India-Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Participants agreed that balancing energy security with clean energy goals will be essential as India continues its transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future while ensuring affordable and reliable power access for all citizens.