India’s Renewable Energy Revolution Gains Momentum at National Summit
The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 has emerged as a pivotal event highlighting India’s ambitious strides in renewable energy. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized the expansive impact of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, stating that it has evolved into a movement benefiting citizens, states, and the country as a whole. During a fireside chat on the summit’s third day, he noted that the initiative led to the installation of about one lakh rooftop solar systems every six days, significantly enhancing energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
Joshi elaborated on the benefits, revealing that many households are now experiencing zero electricity bills and, in fact, earning money by selling excess power back to the grid. He cited impressive growth in India’s solar sector, with installed capacity soaring from just 3 gigawatts (GW) in 2014 to an impressive 172 GW today.
The Next Terawatt Diplomacy
At the summit, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik led the Next Terawatt Diplomatic Dialogue, which emphasized the need for international collaboration in clean energy advancement. He solicited input from diplomats regarding partnerships, investment opportunities, and technology sharing, recognizing that achieving the next terawatt of clean energy will depend on cohesive efforts across nations.
Global Discussions and Partnerships
A CEO Caucus, organized by the International Solar Alliance, CEEW, and Energiva Ventures, assessed the future landscape of clean energy implementation. Sessions with countries such as Norway, Japan, Australia, the UK, and France further deepened partnerships in areas like hydrogen, offshore wind, and financing. Meanwhile, various Indian states, including Karnataka and Gujarat, showcased their renewable energy investment strategies to an international audience.
Progress in Green Hydrogen
The summit also featured the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen, spotlighting initiatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims for an annual capacity of 5 million tonnes by 2030. Relevant sessions addressed electrolyser manufacturing, hydrogen applications in transportation, and advancements in fuel cell technologies.
Innovating the Renewable Sector
Industry leaders, researchers, and manufacturers engaged in technology collaborations and partnerships to boost domestic supply chains. The Wind Plenary discussed advancements in both onshore and offshore wind energy, while another plenary on battery storage focused on establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, a dedicated session aimed at increasing women’s participation in renewable energy addressed the need for stronger commitment and resources in this realm.
A new tool, the RTSE Vendor Buddy, was launched during the event, facilitating rooftop solar vendors in designing and assessing solar systems efficiently. As part of the summit’s agenda, discussions surrounding energy storage and transmission infrastructure took center stage, underlining their importance in achieving grid stability and effectively integrating renewable resources.
As India’s solar manufacturing capacity grows—now exceeding 200 GW in module production and roughly 45 GW for solar cells—this summit presents numerous opportunities for collaboration within the clean energy manufacturing sector.
