India has emerged as a global leader in the field of renewable energy with a robust policy framework, flagship government schemes and innovative clean energy initiatives, Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) said during the event.

The remarks were given during a high-level panel discussion titled “Energy Security through Renewable Energies”, as part of the 10th edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Conversation Series. It was co-organised by the MNRE and featured discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, international partners and think tanks on the issue of India's Clean Energy Transition.

The MNRE Secretary in his keynote address spoke about India's incredible journey on the renewable energy front over the last ten years, and credited the strides made to a strong and conducive policy environment. Some of the important steps taken are Renewable Purchase and Consumption Obligations (RPO/RCO), competitive bidding guidelines for solar, wind, hybrid and firm renewable energy projects as well as allowing up to 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route

He also highlighted targeted measures to boost domestic manufacturing, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), which are driving a self-reliance agenda and creating a resilient renewable energy supply chain.

Flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM were mentioned as innovative programs that have put Indian households, farmers and states at the heart of India's clean energy revolution. Clean energy deployment is expected to continue expanding through emerging solutions such as Agri-PV and floating solar projects.

Highlighting the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Secretary said that it could help India move away from dependence on imported fossil fuels and create new avenues for decarbonising industries and achieving long-term energy security. The grid modernisation, optimisation of forecasts and schedules, circular economy solutions for renewable power, and higher action on climate finance will be essential to create a future-ready energy ecosystem, he added.

The panel included Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan and Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder and Chairperson (Sustainability) of ReNew and Aparna Roy, Fellow and Lead (Climate Change and Energy) at Observer Research Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Shreya Jai of Climate Trends.

Ambassador Ackermann emphasised that both India and Germany share a common goal of achieving energy security in the changing geopolitical scenario. He emphasised the importance of robust bilateral cooperation, along with India's size and vibrant private sector, which can support India's efforts to strengthen energy self-reliance and serve as a repository of best practices for other nations as they work through their energy transition.

The future trajectory of renewable power growth in India and the path forward to ensure a balance between energy security and the need for a sustainable transition were also discussed.

The event underscored the significance of the India – Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership as a key forum to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of renewable energy and power access between the two nations, with India moving towards a more clean and green energy transition while maintaining energy security and affordability for its citizens.