Clean Energy is the Only Way to Energy Security, Warns PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi warns that fossil fuel reliance disrupts the global economy and highlights India's massive strides in renewable energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a clear message to the world: the era of heavy reliance on fossil fuels must end if the global economy is to remain stable. Speaking at the inauguration of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo (BRESE) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister emphasized that the future of clean energy energy security is the only viable path toward economic resilience.
Fossil Fuels: A Risk to Global Stability
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi pointed out that the global economy continues to face disruptions because of its dependence on fossil fuels, which are limited to specific regions. He cited recent global upheavals, ranging from the pandemic to the crisis in West Asia, as evidence that energy security is inextricably linked to economic security.
“If we continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, then the global economy will continue to be disrupted. Because the stockpile of fossil fuels is limited in some regions, but the potential of renewable energy is unlimited. And every region, every country can take advantage of it,” the Prime Minister stated.
He noted that India’s strategic domestic investments over the last ten years served as a shield, preventing the country from facing severe economic shocks during these global crises.
India's Green Leap: Beating Deadlines
The Prime Minister highlighted India's remarkable progress in meeting international climate commitments. He revealed that India achieved its Paris pledge—to derive half of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources—by 2025, hitting the target five years ahead of schedule.
Currently, non-fossil sources make up over 50 per cent of India's total installed power capacity. With nearly 300 gigawatts already established, the nation is charging toward its COP26 goal of 500 gigawatts by 2030. Looking further ahead, PM Modi announced an ambitious plan to add another 500 gigawatts of non-fossil capacity over the next 10 to 11 years.
Empowering Households and Farmers
The transition to clean energy is not just about large-scale plants but is reaching the grassroots level through targeted government initiatives:
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched in February 2024 to target 1 crore households, this scheme has already connected over 65 lakh residences in two years, slashing power bills by 76 per cent.
- PM-KUSUM: This initiative has brought solar power to more than 30 lakh farmers, resulting in estimated annual savings of Rs 1 lakh per farmer.
- Government Infrastructure: Solar systems installed in over 44,000 government buildings are saving the exchequer approximately Rs 700 crore annually.
The Hydrogen Frontier and Infrastructure
India is diversifying its clean energy portfolio beyond wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power. PM Modi highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce 50 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen by the end of the decade.
To support this massive shift, the government has invested Rs 2 lakh crore into dedicated green energy corridors, supported by a single-frequency national grid to ensure seamless distribution of renewable power.
A Manufacturing and Investment Powerhouse
The shift toward renewables has triggered an industrial revolution in India. Solar module production capacity has skyrocketed from a mere 2 gigawatts a decade ago to over 200 gigawatts today, while solar cell manufacturing has reached 40 gigawatts.
This growth is backed by massive capital inflows. PM Modi shared the following investment figures:
- Past Decade: Over Rs 15 lakh crore (USD 164 billion) invested in the renewable sector.
- Recent Surge: Since the 2024 ReInvest summit, investments have reached around Rs 6 lakh crore (USD 63 billion) in just two years.
- Future Outlook: By the end of this decade, investment opportunities in the sector are estimated to exceed Rs 20 lakh crore (USD 220 billion).
The summit, which ran alongside the 9th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance and the 4th International Green Hydrogen Conference, also saw the Prime Minister reiterate India's commitment to the global south. He highlighted the proposed 200 million dollar Africa Solar Facility, designed to provide essential technology and financing to developing economies across Africa.