Along with growing environmental imperatives, the transformation also represents a strategic economic opportunity that positions India as a global leader in the clean energy transition

Byline: Anurag Agarwal CEO- Global Exports & New Businesses Polycab India

For decades, India’s energy landscape was marked by dependence on imported oil, coal, and increasingly, renewable energy equipment. But the narrative is shifting. A combination of ambitious climate targets, forward-thinking policy reforms, and growing manufacturing capabilities is rewriting the story. India is no longer just consuming clean energy; it is actively building infrastructure that makes it possible.

As the country pursues its USD 5 trillion economy vision while staying anchored to net-zero targets, the future of India’s energy will be green, home-grown, and inclusive. Along with growing environmental imperatives, the transformation also represents a strategic economic opportunity that positions India as a global leader in the clean energy transition.

A Renewable Ambition Backed By Action
India’s renewable energy ambitions are nothing short of extraordinary. The nation is on track to deliver 238 GW of renewable capacity by 2025 and aims to achieve a 50 per cent renewable share in its energy mix by 2030, making it a pivotal player in the global energy transition. The government has set an even more ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy leadership.

This shift isn’t a distant ambition, it is already in motion. Recent years have witnessed record-breaking growth in solar and wind installations, with 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind capacity added in 2024 alone. This remarkable expansion has been largely driven by government incentives, policy reforms, and increased investments in domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Policy-driven Growth And Strategic Localisation
The success of India’s renewable energy sector is deeply rooted in strategic policy interventions that prioritize domestic manufacturing. Localization policies, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the imposition of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imported photovoltaic products, are driving the expansion of domestic manufacturing for solar modules, batteries, and related components.

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) ensures that government projects use locally produced modules, with similar requirements for batteries expected from June 2026. This policy framework is strengthening domestic capabilities while reducing India’s dependence on imports, enhancing energy security, and supporting the creation of green jobs across the entire value chain.

Manufacturing Green, Thinking Smart
Leading wires and cables companies across India are demonstrating that localization works. Advanced manufacturing facilities in locations like Halol, Daman, Nashik, and Roorkee are equipped to deliver customized, high-performance solutions for utility-scale, rooftop, and off-grid solar applications. These facilities represent the convergence of global technology standards with local manufacturing excellence.

Plants in Daman, Nashik, and upcoming facilities across South India are steadily scaling up their green footprint. Companies are deploying energy-efficient drives, LED lighting, and IoT-based home systems, reducing energy intensity and driving responsible growth across their manufacturing units. This approach embodies the principle of ‘green inside, green outside,’ where sustainability is integrated into every aspect of operations.

Innovations For Indian Conditions
Research and development investments are crucial to India’s renewable energy future. Thoughtful wires and cables brands are investing heavily in R&D for solar DC cables, hybrid inverters, and smart grid-ready components. This innovation ecosystem is creating products that are not only technically superior but also specifically designed for Indian conditions and requirements.

From reducing import dependencies to ensuring faster deployment cycles, localization has far-reaching strategic benefits. It supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosts GDP, and enhances India’s energy security. This is the power of a self-reliant India, built by Indian companies for Indian needs, and increasingly, for the world.

Grid Infrastructure: Building The Backbone Of Change
Achieving India’s renewable energy targets requires significant upgrades to the nation’s transmission infrastructure. This includes the construction of new high-voltage lines and substations to efficiently transfer power from generation-rich regions to high-demand centres. The challenge extends beyond mere capacity addition to addressing grid flexibility, seasonal fluctuations, and curtailment issues critical for integrating large-scale renewable energy while ensuring grid stability.

States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are leading in utility-scale solar installations, contributing the majority share of India’s renewable capacity additions and setting benchmarks for others to follow. These regional success stories demonstrate that with the right policy support and infrastructure investment, renewable energy can scale rapidly and effectively. However, the introduction of ISTS (Inter State Transmission System) charges will impact the overall economics of production of RE power as well as the capacity shift towards newer states.

A Circular Approach To Growth
Various Electrical product manufacturers are working toward net-zero operations in the coming years, playing an important role in India’s climate goals. This commitment goes beyond environmental compliance to encompass a fundamental transformation in how businesses operate and create value.

Therefore, the integration of sustainable practices into manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and product development is creating a new paradigm where economic growth and environmental stewardship are mutually reinforcing rather than competing objectives.

The transition to a localised, greener grid is driving sustainable economic growth, promoting technological innovation, and opening new opportunities for investments in the renewable energy sector. The creation of green jobs across the value chain – from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and operations – is contributing to India’s employment generation goals while building skills for the future economy. Companies investing in this space are therefore building the foundation for India’s next phase of industrial growth.

The Road Ahead
India’s renewable energy journey is ambitious, but the direction is clear and achievable. The path forward requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders- government, industry, and civil society. By continuing to prioritize domestic manufacturing, investing in research and development, and building world-class infrastructure, the country can achieve its renewable energy goals while creating a template for sustainable development that other nations can follow.

The foundations laid today through strategic localisation, innovation investments, and infrastructure development will help India maintain and elevate its position as a global renewable energy leader.