The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today said that India’s remarkable progress in renewable energy demonstrates that environmental commitments are not a hindrance to economic growth but a catalyst for the country’s development journey.
Addressing the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Vice-President highlighted India’s achievements in the renewable energy sector, its commitment to sustainable development and the transformative role of clean energy in empowering households, farmers and communities across the country.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today. He said that environmental commitments are catalysts for India’s development, not hindrances to growth, and highlighted how India has demonstrated that economic progress and reduced dependence on fossil fuels can go hand in hand. Emphasising that the renewable energy transition must become a people’s movement, the Vice President highlighted India’s achievements in solar energy, the empowerment of households and farmers, and the importance of innovation and global cooperation. He also observed that India’s renewable energy transformation offers an inspiring model for the Global South. @mnreindia
Recalling the doubts about whether a developing country of India’s size could sustain rapid economic growth while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the Vice-President said that India had answered these doubts through its achievements.
He highlighted that India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has crossed 300 gigawatts and that the country achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment. Solar power capacity, he noted, has grown from less than 3 gigawatts to over 170 gigawatts over a decade.
Pointing out that solar power, which was once several times more expensive than coal-based electricity, is now among the cheapest sources of electricity in India, he said that this transformation reflects sound policies, private enterprise and the collective efforts of States and citizens.
The Vice-President observed that hydrogen energy is making encouraging progress in India and expressed confidence that advancements in science and technology would make hydrogen energy increasingly affordable in the years ahead. He said that India’s renewable energy transformation is not only an exemplary achievement for the country but also a model for the Global South.
The Vice-President said that the progress achieved over the last decade vindicates Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that environmental commitments are catalysts for growth, delivering greater energy access, lower industrial costs, employment opportunities and reduced import dependence. Calling for stronger industry-academia collaboration, he said, “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” emphasising the importance of research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Vice-President said that over 65 lakh households have joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, gaining access to affordable clean energy. He further highlighted that nearly 30 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KUSUM, observing that solar pumps help farmers save on diesel costs, earn additional income and become Urjadatas, givers of energy as well as food.
The Vice-President highlighted that initiatives under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity may not be feasible. He observed that access to electricity transforms lives by expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and livelihoods, emphasising that energy solutions must address the distinct needs of cities, villages and remote habitations.
Describing the renewable energy transition as a Jan Andolan, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, the Vice-President said that such a movement cannot be driven by the government alone.He urged the active participation of teachers, students, entrepreneurs and citizens.He noted that people’s participation in this movement would not only accelerate the adoption of renewable energy but also create new economic opportunities, generate livelihoods and promote household prosperity.
Invoking Mission LiFE, the Vice-President called for energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption and responsible disposal, observing that a billion small individual actions can contribute as significantly to sustainability as a new power plant.
The Vice-President said that the coming decade would be crucial for achieving global climate goals and reiterated India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. He noted that India’s electricity demand could rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, emphasising the need to meet growing energy requirements through clean, reliable and affordable power while protecting the environment.
Urging participants to translate the Summit’s deliberations into action, the Vice-President said, “Turn discussions into projects, and projects into power.” He called for global cooperation, observing, “If the world is to be lit by the Sun, let it be lit by hands that work together.”
On the occasion, the Vice-President presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to the best-performing States, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks.
At the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to the best-performing States, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks. The awards recognise outstanding contributions and achievements in advancing renewable energy adoption and strengthening India’s clean energy ecosystem. @mnreindia
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi; Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik; Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood; and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, were present on the occasion. Representatives of partner countries, policymakers, investors, industry leaders, knowledge partners, exhibitors and other delegates also participated in the Summit.