India Fast-Tracks Renewable Push with Aggressive Rooftop Solar and Green Hydrogen Plans

India is set to accelerate its clean energy transition as the government expands rooftop solar adoption under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. New and renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the target now is to install 50–55 lakh rooftop solar systems by 2026, marking the most rapid national rollout to date. The minister emphasized that renewable capacity growth is already strong, and the next priority will be strengthening transmission networks to ensure efficient utilisation of power assets. The country has achieved significant milestones in 2025, emerging as the world’s third-largest solar power market and fourth in total renewable energy capacity. Half of India’s 2030 target — 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity — has already been achieved ahead of schedule. Joshi highlighted that remaining challenges include land acquisition issues and ensuring timely development of grid evacuation infrastructure in various states. Looking further ahead, India aims to reach 1,800 GW of non-fossil energy by 2047, a target the minister described as execution-dependent but achievable. With the world’s lowest solar prices and record-low green ammonia bids under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (at ₹53.27/kg), he expressed confidence that affordable clean power will position India as a global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies. Support for the sector is expected to remain strong in the upcoming Union Budget for FY27. Joshi said that key policy focus areas will include scaling the Surya Ghar programme, progressing the green hydrogen roadmap, pushing an upcoming small hydro policy, and expanding transmission capabilities. He noted initial rollout challenges in rooftop solar due to the election code of conduct but said installations have now surged past 23 lakh with new utility-led models improving deployment efficiency. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is advancing in line with its target of producing 5 million tonnes annually by 2030. While domestic carbon market development may take longer, partnerships and investments are growing steadily. As consumer affairs minister, Joshi also pointed to stricter oversight of dark patterns and misleading claims on e-commerce platforms, with 26 major firms having conducted audits to monitor compliance. To diversify the clean-energy portfolio, India is also moving on geothermal and offshore wind. The first National Geothermal Energy Policy focuses on early commercial projects by 2030 in high-potential regions like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, initially prioritizing direct heating applications. Offshore wind has seen slower progress due to high costs and infrastructure needs, though a viability gap funding scheme and early tenders are in place. Both sectors represent long-term bets to support India’s broader clean-energy ambitions.