05 August 2026 at 08:21 pm IST
India is aiming to add a record 20 GW of distributed renewable energy (DRE) capacity during the current financial year, marking a significant step forward in the country's clean energy transition. The ambitious target reflects the government's continued focus on expanding decentralized renewable energy systems, particularly rooftop solar and small-scale renewable projects that can deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity closer to consumers. Speaking at an industry event, Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the country is on track to surpass last year's distributed renewable energy additions, driven by strong policy support and increasing adoption across residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The planned capacity addition represents a substantial increase over the approximately 16 GW installed in the previous fiscal year. The growth is expected to be supported by flagship government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which promotes rooftop solar installations for households, and the PM-KUSUM scheme, which encourages the deployment of solar-powered pumps and decentralized renewable energy solutions for the agriculture sector. These programmes are helping expand clean energy access while reducing dependence on conventional power sources. Distributed renewable energy systems play a crucial role in improving grid resilience, lowering transmission losses, and providing electricity to underserved and remote communities. They also enable consumers to generate their own power, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to India's broader climate and energy security objectives. The planned expansion reinforces India's commitment to accelerating renewable energy deployment and achieving its long-term clean energy targets. By scaling up decentralized renewable infrastructure, the government aims to strengthen energy access, support sustainable economic growth, and advance the country's transition toward a low-carbon energy future.
