Experts Urge India’s Clean Energy Focus to Shift from Capacity to Adoption

Key Takeaways

India has achieved a clean energy capacity of 283.46 GW but now must focus on efficient integration and usage.
Challenges include transmission constraints, inadequate storage, and uncertain procurement pathways.
Experts suggest aligning policy and finance, and improving adoption models to enhance the clean energy transition.

Focus on Clean Energy Integration

India’s clean energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with a current non-fossil-fuel power capacity of 283.46 GW, of which 274.68 GW comes from renewable sources. As the world’s third-largest renewable energy producer, India added a record 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity during the fiscal year 2025-26. However, experts emphasize that the country must now prioritize the integration and effective usage of this capacity instead of merely expanding generation capabilities.

During a recent seminar titled “New Energy: From Evaluation to Adoption,” organized by Think Change Forum along with Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV), the challenges facing India’s clean-energy adoption were discussed. Experts pointed out that while significant strides have been made in renewable energy generation, the focus needs to shift to how that energy is transmitted, stored, and utilized across various sectors.

One pressing issue highlighted is transmission constraints. Data revealed that approximately 8,133 GWh of solar electricity was curtailed between April and June 2026 due to these barriers and grid-security requirements. As India continues to scale its clean energy initiatives, the country will need substantial energy-storage capacity—around 336 GWh by 2029-30, increasing to 411 GWh by 2031-32—to ensure reliable integration of renewable power while maintaining grid stability.

Former International Solar Alliance Director General, Ajay Mathur, stressed the importance of adopting clean energy technologies at scale. This includes enhancing energy efficiency, expanding electrification, supporting decarbonization efforts within energy-intensive industries, and fostering conditions favorable for deploying new technologies. He noted that the transition should not just focus on generating energy, but also on how to utilize it productively.

Upendra Tripathy, former Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the need for practical and commercially viable transition pathways for legacy sectors. He underscored that implementation should take precedence over further capacity expansion.

Experts advocated for a comprehensive approach that includes aligning policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and technological advancements with market demand. Building robust and bankable adoption models will be essential for accelerating the infrastructure needed for transmission and storage, thereby enhancing the overall clean energy ecosystem in India. Strengthening domestic value chains will also be crucial in this transition phase.

In conclusion, the discussion made it clear that the next critical step for India’s clean energy sector lies in the integration, adoption, and productive utilization of existing capacities. By addressing the outlined challenges and focusing on efficient strategies, India can solidify its position in the global clean energy landscape.

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