Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, noting the event's special significance amid global energy shocks that have underscored renewable energy's vital importance. The summit coincides with the Ninth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance and includes delegates from the Fourth Conference on Green Hydrogen. PM Modi emphasized the direct link between energy security and economic security, warning that continued over-reliance on fossil fuels will repeatedly disrupt the world economy due to their finite and concentrated nature.
PM Modi urged startups, IITs, innovators, and entrepreneurs to develop round-the-clock solar models capable of meeting maximum household needs, including rooftop solar cooking and home solar charging for electric vehicles, which could save middle-class families thousands of rupees annually. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted India's remarkable renewable energy progress under PM Modi's leadership, noting India's 7% GDP growth forecast for 2026-27 by IMF and rising energy demands.
India's non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity reached 310 GW, representing an addition of more than 110 GW in just two years from September 2024's 200 GW level. Over the past 12 years, capacity grew 280% from 80.3 GW. Solar capacity surged from 2.8 GW to 171 GW (5,800% growth), while wind capacity increased from 21 GW to 60 GW (176% growth). Manufacturing capacity expanded dramatically with solar modules growing from 2 GW to 225 GW (11,150% increase), solar cells from zero to 45 GW, and wind turbines from 10 GW to 24 GW.
The sector attracted USD 67 billion total investment in two years—the biggest in any sector—including USD 6.2 billion in FDI. PM Surya Ghar scheme crossed 65 lakh installations with over one lakh installations every six days. Solar tariffs declined from ₹10-11/unit in 2011-12 to ₹2.15/unit in 2024-25. Green hydrogen reached ₹279/kg (lowest globally) and green ammonia ₹49.75/kg (lowest globally), with India ranking first in green hydrogen offtake commitments.
The government approved Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana with ₹5,000 crore outlay for 5,000 MW floating solar capacity and Green Energy Corridor Phase-III with ₹1.86 lakh crore investment. Minister Joshi characterized these achievements as demonstrating "Scale, Speed and Aatma Nirbharta" and invited global investors to "Invest in India. Innovate in India. Grow with India."