Green agenda of Modi 3.0

In his very first speech to party workers after the election results were announced, Prime Minister era" and how India seeks to be a leading player in green industrialisation, green energy, and green mobility.

- VANDANA GOMBAR

This gives an indication of the priority that will likely be attached to a green development path.

In terms of green energy mainly solar and wind India already figures among the top countries in annual additions, and is working on expanding the domestic manufacturing base to support this. Every country that is trying to localise manufacturing is facing unique challenges. For instance, policy is continually being tweaked in the US to ensure that the combination of incentives and disincentives for domestic manufacturing remains compelling, while generation capacity addition is also appropriately supported. With the elections in India wrapped up and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi in charge, there is now scope to dynamically balance multiple objectives and meet specified goals.

As the demand for electricity hits new highs in the face of extreme heat, there is a case for increasing the share of renewable energy at an accelerated pace. According to the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority, pertaining to April 2024, renewables (including large hydro) make up almost a fifth of the country's generation. Solar accounts for almost half of this output, followed by large hydro and wind power.