India Leads Renewable Energy Transformation at Bharat Summit 2026
India’s journey towards renewable energy demonstrates that environmental initiatives can drive economic growth. This message was emphasized by India’s Vice-President, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, at the closing session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 held today. He highlighted how clean energy technology is empowering households, farmers, and communities across the nation.
The Vice-President stated that the progress made in the last decade reaffirms Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s belief that environmental commitments can serve as a growth catalyst. Such advancements have resulted in increased energy access, reduced industrial costs, more job opportunities, and decreased reliance on imports. He called for enhanced collaboration between industry and academia, asserting, “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” which underscores the significance of research and innovation.
Investment Surge in Renewable Sector
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, shared that India has attracted over ₹15 lakh crore in investments within the renewable energy sector over the past decade. Remarkably, nearly ₹6 lakh crore of this total has been invested in the last two years alone.
Shri Joshi introduced the BRE Summit & Expo 2026 as the largest renewable energy gathering in India, featuring over 75,000 visitors from 135 nations, participation from 32 international ministers, and representatives from over 400 exhibitors. The summit included crucial discussions on global energy transition, integrated energy planning, and technological advancements in the energy sector.
Significant Initiatives and Developments
During the summit, the Union Cabinet approved a landmark ₹14,500 crore Viability Gap Funding scheme aimed at developing 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage capacity. This plan encompasses 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems and 60 GWh of Pumped Storage Projects.
India has achieved the lowest utility-scale solar generation costs globally, ranging from USD 30 to 35 per MWh (₹2,840 to ₹3,313). This remarkable achievement has allowed India to save over USD 100 billion on fossil fuel imports, translating to about ₹9.46 lakh crore. In addition, the auctioning of 15 GW of hybrid renewable energy projects in 2025 brought the total auctioned capacity to 64 GW.
International Collaboration and Future Directions
The Summit facilitated discussions between Shri Joshi and representatives from France, Denmark, and other nations to assess potential collaborations and investments in renewable energy. A total of 100 MoUs and agreements were signed during the event, including one with SECI for supplying green methanol.
Shri Joshi stressed the necessity for enhanced energy infrastructure to support growing renewable energy capacity, which will require stronger transmission networks and smarter grids. He noted that digital technology and Artificial Intelligence will play a crucial role in managing energy demands and innovations in energy storage.
The Summit’s attendees included 800 international delegates, policymakers, and experts, all focusing on shaping a sustainable energy future. As India advances towards its renewable energy goals, the unity among various stakeholders—government, industry, and academia—is paramount in achieving these ambitious targets.
