Ireda CMD Pradip Kumar Das highlights untapped potential in solar, storage, and hydrogen

Eastern India’s renewable energy share stands at about 20 per cent of installed capacity as of July 2025, less than half the national average of 48 per cent, according to Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda).

Das said the region has significant untapped potential in solar power, pumped storage, battery storage and green hydrogen, which could help India meet its target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Achieving that goal will require nearly Rs 30 lakh crore of investment, with eastern states expected to play a strategic role in green manufacturing, exports and entrepreneurship.

The 38-year-old Ireda has supported the development of more than 30 GW of renewable energy projects through Rs 1.63 lakh crore of disbursements. The agency continues to prioritize governance alongside recovery and accountability in its lending activities according to Das.

The establishment of a complete green taxonomy framework should receive his support because it will provide legal definitions for sustainable investment activities, and he emphasises that ESG reporting must become mandatory for businesses.

The Indian steel and cement industries will depend on green power for their operations during the upcoming years according to Das who also stated Ireda supports India’s energy transition and sustainable development path toward Viksit Bharat 2047.