India Clean Energy Push: Modi Sets 500 GW Capacity Target

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India’s investments in clean energy over the past decade helped the country withstand the impact of the global energy crisis and reduce its exposure to external shocks. Emphasising the link between Energy Security and economic stability, he said expanding domestic clean energy capacity would remain essential for India’s long-term growth.

Addressing the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 in New Delhi, Modi highlighted the country’s progress in renewable energy and announced an ambitious target of adding around 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity over the next 10 to 11 years.

PM Modi Says Clean Energy Investments Strengthened India’s Resilience

Modi said investments in renewable energy and the expansion of domestic power generation capacity had helped India manage international energy disruptions. He noted that without the renewable energy capacity developed over the previous decade, the impact of the global energy crisis could have been more severe for the country.

The Prime Minister linked India’s economic performance to its efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on conventional fuels. He argued that continued reliance on fossil fuels could expose the global economy to repeated disruptions.

His remarks came amid concerns over international energy supply challenges and the impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel availability and prices. The government has increasingly positioned clean energy as a key part of India’s strategy to strengthen energy security and support economic growth.

India Targets Another 500 GW of Non-Fossil Energy Capacity

During his address, Modi announced that India aims to add approximately 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity over the next 10 to 11 years. He acknowledged that achieving the target would be challenging but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to expand its clean energy infrastructure.

India’s existing non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 300 GW, according to the Prime Minister. The proposed expansion is intended to increase the share of cleaner energy sources in the country’s power mix and strengthen its ability to meet growing electricity demand.

Modi also urged investors to explore opportunities in India’s renewable energy sector, highlighting the country’s policy stability and potential for long-term investment.

Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in India

The Prime Minister said India’s clean energy sector had attracted more than Rs 15 lakh crore in investments over the past decade, including over Rs 6 lakh crore since the 2024 RE-INVEST Summit.

He indicated that investment opportunities in the sector could exceed Rs 20 lakh crore by the end of the decade. The potential areas for investment include renewable power generation, energy storage, battery technology and supporting infrastructure.

Modi also stressed the importance of developing domestic energy storage solutions and expanding battery storage capacity. These technologies will be important for managing the variable supply of solar and wind power and improving the reliability of electricity networks.

Energy Security Linked to India’s Economic Stability

Modi’s remarks placed energy security at the centre of India’s economic priorities. International disruptions can affect fuel supplies, increase energy costs and put pressure on businesses and households. Expanding domestic clean energy production can help reduce some of these vulnerabilities.

The Prime Minister’s proposed capacity expansion reflects the government’s intention to continue investing in non-fossil energy while meeting the country’s growing power requirements. The scale of the target will also require investment in transmission networks, storage systems and infrastructure capable of integrating additional renewable electricity.

Modi said India’s clean energy progress had helped it navigate the global energy crisis and emphasised that further expansion would be important for protecting the country’s economic interests. The proposed addition of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity over the next decade is expected to remain a major part of India’s energy security strategy.