India’s renewable energy sector surged ahead in the first half of 2025 with record investments of nearly $12 billion, marking the second-highest half-year influx on record. This remarkable financial momentum reflects a confluence of favourable market conditions, progressive government policies, and strong investor confidence in the Country’s clean energy ambitions. At the high-profile Energy Conference in Mumbai, Vasanth JB forecasted that the coming decade would be defined not merely by capital inflows but by the strategic application of advanced technology and rigorous research in the energy sector.
India’s future energy map
India is firmly on track to achieve its ambitious target of 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. It is a landmark goal that forms a critical pillar of the Country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This target reflects India’s resolve to drastically reduce carbon emissions intensity while simultaneously meeting the soaring energy demand of the Indian economy. Achieving 500 GW would position India among the top global leaders in the renewable energy field, fundamentally reshaping the Country’s energy landscape from fossil fuel domination to a diversified, low-carbon mix.
“With the right blend of technology and focused R&D, supported by forward-looking policy, India can leapfrog into a leadership position in the global energy transition. Emerging solutions such as cost-efficient green hydrogen production, the strategic privatisation of the nuclear sector to attract global expertise, and the mainstream adoption of biofuels as a transitional yet vital clean energy source, will collectively reshape India’s renewable energy ecosystem. These pillars, when aligned, make exponential growth not only possible but inevitable.” – Vasanth JB, an emerging energy baron and widely regarded authority on sustainable energy transformation, said at the high-profile Energy Conference in Mumbai.
Charting a path with cutting-edge technologies
Several transformative technological advances are underway. The implementation of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells is breaking efficiency barriers past the 30% power conversion mark. This is expected to improve energy yield per square meter drastically.
Concurrently, next-generation wind turbines featuring adaptive blade morphing and high-strength composite materials have enabled improved aerodynamics and enhanced resistance to extreme weather conditions.
Smart grid technologies, such as real-time data analytics, IoT sensors, and AI-powered predictive maintenance, are also emerging as critical enablers of India’s renewable energy transition. These advanced systems not only optimise grid stability and operational efficiency but also provide granular, real-time visibility across transmission and distribution networks.
Renewed optimism in nuclear energy’s role
Vasanth also took a confident stance on the growing role of nuclear energy in India’s clean
energy mix.
“The advent of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and India’s pioneering thorium-fueled reactor designs present a transformative opportunity to complement variable renewable sources with steady, low-carbon baseload power,” he explained.
India’s ongoing push for partial privatisation and deregulation in the nuclear sector will inject fresh capital, foster competition, and accelerate innovative research and deployment timelines. These will ultimately make nuclear power safer, more modular, and cost-effective.
Green hydrogen and biofuels: game-changers for decarbonization
Emerging developments in solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies are improving hydrogen production efficiency, reducing costs, and making large-scale adoption increasingly feasible. Vasanth highlighted green hydrogen as a key platform for India’s energy transition, particularly for sectors traditionally difficult to electrify.
In parallel, advanced biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass, agricultural residues, and algae offer a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels in the aviation, shipping, and heavy transport sectors. Their integration helps reduce dependency on imports and supports rural economies by creating value chains around agricultural waste.
Policy and Investment Landscape Fueling Growth
Provisions like accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding for nascent technologies, and stringent renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) have encouraged both domestic and international investors to channel capital into India’s clean energy ventures. Investor appetite for ESG-compliant assets is strong, with close to $12 billion invested already in H1 2025.
India’s Future Energy Map
Beyond capacity additions, India’s leadership is also visible in cutting-edge research and commercialisation of next-generation clean energy technologies. These strides exemplify India’s dual pursuit of economic growth and climate responsibility, making it a beacon for sustainable development on the global stage.
Tags: India, Energy, Sustainability, Vasanth JB, Green Energy Investments, Pan oleo Energy, Wind Energy, Biofuels, Hydrogen
