Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership over the past 12 years have transformed India into a global clean energy leader and accelerated the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Joshi said India has moved from discussing renewable energy potential to delivering measurable outcomes on the ground, with rapid expansion in renewable energy capacity, manufacturing and citizen participation driving the country’s clean energy transition.
The Union Minister released the Report on Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India, which estimates the country’s floating solar potential at more than 102 GWp and takes India’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp. He said the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working on a dedicated scheme to promote floating solar deployment across the country.
According to Joshi, reservoirs and other water bodies are emerging as important assets for clean energy generation through floating solar projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to harnessing natural resources in a sustainable and efficient manner.
The minister also launched the online portal for the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme, saying it would improve transparency and efficiency in implementation. He described it as the first major policy intervention in the small hydro sector since 2017.
Highlighting the government’s renewable energy initiatives, Joshi said flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM are expanding citizen participation in the clean energy transition and accelerating renewable energy adoption across the country.
He said India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW, while solar power capacity has grown from 2.8 GW to 155 GW. Domestic solar manufacturing capacity has also expanded significantly, with module manufacturing reaching 192 GW and cell manufacturing capacity touching 30 GW.
Joshi said India’s clean energy achievements have earned global recognition, helping the country transform from a power-deficit nation into a power-surplus nation and a major renewable energy manufacturing hub.
On the occasion, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the Military Engineering Services exchanged a memorandum of understanding to promote renewable energy adoption across defence establishments. Under the agreement, NISE will provide technical support for the planning, implementation and monitoring of renewable energy projects.
The minister also released the book Green Energy and Sustainable Development, authored by Mohammad Rihan, and said it would serve as a useful resource for students, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Joshi praised NISE and its team for their contribution to research, innovation and technical support in advancing India’s renewable energy ambitions, adding that the initiatives launched would contribute significantly to building a self-reliant and developed India powered by clean energy.
