Key Takeaways
- India’s solar energy capacity has surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 160 GW, with a goal of 500 GW by 2030.
- The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has provided subsidies for rooftop solar installations to 50 lakh households.
- India aims for 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, with ongoing enhancements in rail electrification and gas supply services.
Prime Minister Modi’s Energy Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s substantial growth in solar energy capacity during his 80th Independence Day address. Since 2014, the capacity has jumped from merely 2 GW to an impressive 160 GW. Modi announced an ambitious target of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, emphasizing the urgent need for significant electricity supply for advancements in technology, including AI and data centers.
The Prime Minister detailed several initiatives aimed at enhancing energy security through renewable sources. He pointed out that under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, approximately 50 lakh households now benefit from subsidies to install rooftop solar systems, enabling consumers to earn from the electricity they generate. Each household can receive a subsidy of up to ₹80,000 under this scheme.
Modi also addressed advancements in railway electrification. He noted that before 2014, only 30 percent of the railway network was electrified over a span of 90 years. The completion of full electrification has resulted in significant diesel savings and reduced energy imports. Additionally, he mentioned the introduction of hydrogen trains as part of India’s modern energy strategy.
Nuclear energy was another focal point during his address. Modi announced that India has enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Act, with a target of generating 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. The country has made considerable strides in mastering nuclear technology and aims to operationalize five new nuclear reactors in this decade, which contributes to India’s goal of self-reliance in nuclear fuel.
Furthermore, Modi discussed the government’s recent facilitation of oil and gas exploration in previously restricted sea areas, with an allocation of ₹85,000 crore to support these efforts. He highlighted the expansion of piped gas services, which has grown from 70 cities in 2014 to 700 cities today. The number of households receiving piped natural gas (PNG) has risen from 22 lakh to 1.75 crore.
These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to strengthening its energy infrastructure, reducing dependency on imports, and transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions. Modi’s remarks underscore the vision of a greener and more self-sufficient energy future for India.
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