Renewable Energy Transition in India: Progress, Policies, and Persistent Challenges

Abstract

India’s renewable energy (RE) sector has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by escalating energy demands, climate commitments, and strategic policy interventions. This study comprehensively reviews India’s RE landscape, focusing on solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy, while analyzing key government initiatives, achievements, and persistent challenges. Fossil fuels dominate India’s energy mix (89.18 percent of primary consumption), but RE adoption is accelerating, with solar capacity expanding under the National Solar Mission (target: 100 GW by 2022) and wind energy reaching 41.93 GW by 2023. Hydropower and biomass contribute significantly, supported by policies like the Hydro Power Policy (2019) and National Biofuel Policy (2009). Despite progress, challenges such as technological gaps, financial constraints, land-use conflicts, and institutional inefficiencies hinder sectoral growth. A systematic review of literature (1990–2024) and gray sources (IEA, MNRE, NITI Aayog) underscores India’s potential to meet its Paris Agreement targets (40 percent RE by 2030) but highlights the need for enhanced R&D, grid infrastructure, and public awareness. The study concludes with policy recommendations to bolster India’s RE transition, ensuring energy security and sustainability.