India Embraces AI for Sustainability
India is harnessing artificial intelligence to accelerate sustainability efforts across energy, agriculture, and urban planning. AI-driven innovations are helping achieve climate targets, improve resource efficiency, and support the green economy through initiatives like renewable energy optimisation, precision farming, and smart city development.India leverages AI to drive sustainability, with applications in renewable energy, precision farming, and smart urban planning. Backed by policy support and green investments, AI is key to India's climate goals and net-zero emissions target by 2070.
India is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to advance its sustainability goals, with startups and major corporations driving innovation in environmental solutions. The integration of AI is transforming sectors like energy, agriculture, and urban planning, aligning with India’s ambitious climate targets.
AI technologies are being used to optimise renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power, which are central to India’s goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Startups are developing AI-driven platforms to enhance energy efficiency, predict maintenance needs for solar panels, and improve grid stability. These tools help reduce energy waste and support the integration of renewable sources into the national grid.
In agriculture, AI is enabling precision farming, allowing farmers to monitor soil health, predict crop yields, and manage water resources more effectively. This is critical in a country where agriculture supports millions of livelihoods and faces challenges from climate change, such as droughts and floods. AI-powered solutions are helping farmers adapt to changing conditions and improve productivity sustainably.
Urban planning is another area where AI is making an impact. With rapid urbanisation, cities face challenges like pollution and resource strain. AI tools are being used to analyse data on traffic, waste, and energy consumption, enabling smarter urban development. These efforts support India’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The growth of AI in sustainability is supported by significant foreign direct investment and a thriving startup ecosystem. In 2025, India’s green bond market reached $18 billion, with 75% funding solar and wind projects. Young entrepreneurs are also creating decentralised investment platforms, allowing citizens to fund renewable energy projects with high returns, further driving the green economy.
Challenges remain, including the need for skilled labour and robust regulatory frameworks. The government is addressing these through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence and create jobs. AI’s role in optimising green hydrogen production and other clean energy solutions is a key focus.
India’s embrace of AI reflects a broader shift towards technology-driven sustainability. By combining innovation with policy support, the country is positioning itself as a leader in the global green economy, balancing development with environmental responsibility.
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