Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, highlighting India's significant achievements in renewable energy. He stated that environmental commitments serve as catalysts for India's development rather than hindrances to growth, emphasizing that India has demonstrated how economic progress and reduced fossil fuel dependence can coexist.
India's non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has crossed 300 gigawatts, with the country achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025—five years ahead of its original commitment. Solar power capacity has shown remarkable growth, expanding from less than 3 gigawatts to over 170 gigawatts over the past decade. The Vice-President noted that solar power, which was once significantly more expensive than coal-based electricity, is now among the cheapest electricity sources in India, attributing this transformation to sound policies, private enterprise, and collective efforts of states and citizens.
Hydrogen energy is making encouraging progress in India, with expectations that advancements in science and technology will make it increasingly affordable in coming years. The Vice-President expressed confidence that India's renewable energy transformation serves as an inspiring model for the Global South.
Specific government schemes have driven substantial adoption: over 65 lakh households have joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, gaining access to affordable clean energy, while nearly 30 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KUSUM through solar pumps that reduce diesel costs and generate additional income. Initiatives under PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity is not feasible.
The Vice-President described the renewable energy transition as a Jan Andolan (people's movement) that requires active participation from teachers, students, entrepreneurs, and citizens to create economic opportunities, generate livelihoods, and promote household prosperity. He invoked Mission LiFE, calling for energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption, and responsible disposal, noting that a billion small individual actions can contribute significantly to sustainability.
Looking forward, the coming decade is crucial for achieving global climate goals, with India targeting Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Electricity demand could rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, necessitating meeting growing energy requirements through clean, reliable, and affordable power while protecting the environment.
At the event, the Vice-President presented Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to best-performing states, government departments, vendors, brand owners, and public sector banks for their contributions to advancing renewable energy adoption. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of State Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Principal Scientific Adviser Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, and Secretary Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi were present, along with representatives from partner countries, policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and exhibitors.