The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organized a panel discussion on "Energy Security through Renewable Energies" under the 10th edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Conversation Series on June 18, 2026. The event featured keynote addresses and discussions from senior officials including Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of MNRE, and H.E. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan.
Secretary Sarangi highlighted India's remarkable renewable energy journey over the past decade, positioning the country as a global leader. He attributed this progress to a robust policy ecosystem including Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)/Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding process for procurement of power from grid connected solar, wind, wind-solar hybrid and firm & dispatchable renewable energy. The policy framework permits up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment under the automatic route and includes targeted measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing through initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
Flagship programmes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM have engaged states, households and farmers in India's renewable energy transition. Upcoming interventions including Agri-PV and floating solar are expected to unlock new avenues for clean energy deployment. The National Green Hydrogen Mission was highlighted for its potential to reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels while creating opportunities for industrial decarbonisation and energy security.
Looking ahead, Secretary Sarangi emphasized that grid modernisation, accurate forecasting and scheduling, circular economy approaches for clean energy technologies, and enhanced mobilisation of climate finance will be critical for building a resilient renewable energy ecosystem. The government's policy interventions are designed to make India's renewable energy growth increasingly market-driven, with PLI Schemes fostering indigenous manufacturing capacities and enhancing self-reliance.
German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann emphasized that India and Germany share a common aspiration to achieve energy security, particularly in today's complex geopolitical landscape. He noted that true self-reliance can be unlocked through strong bilateral partnerships, with India's massive scale and dynamic private sector offering immense opportunities to deepen relations. He reflected that India's energy transition journey can provide valuable lessons and serve as a model of global best practices for other nations.
The discussion explored next growth frontiers for India's renewable energy sector, opportunities for the industry, and pathways to balance energy transition and energy security imperatives. The event reaffirmed the India-Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership as a vital platform for deepening bilateral cooperation and knowledge exchange in the renewable energy sector. The panel brought together policymakers, international partners, industry leaders and think tanks to deliberate on renewable energy's potential to strengthen energy security and power India's long-term economic growth aspirations.