New Delhi witnessed a pivotal moment in global energy discourse as Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr. PK Mishra unveiled India’s blueprint for sustainable energy transition at the international conference on ‘Sustainable Energy Transition – Global Perspective’ organized by Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe). Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Mishra positioned clean energy as the cornerstone of a developed India, transcending mere sectoral reforms to encompass holistic growth, economic edge, social equity, and unbreachable energy security.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision from India Energy Week, he asserted that a Viksit Bharat—Developed India—stands on the pillars of clean power, green growth, and sustainable living. Dr. Mishra spotlighted two invaluable lessons from India’s journey. First, ambitious targets gain real traction only through robust institutional frameworks, unwavering financial backing, and relentless execution. India’s stride towards achieving 2030 goals by 2025 exemplifies this, having already surpassed the 100 GW solar capacity milestone ahead of schedule—a testament to policy steadfastness and structural fortitude.
Second, true sustainability blooms when transitions empower the masses directly. Initiatives like PM-KUSUM have alleviated farmers’ burdens, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has empowered households with free solar power, while solar manufacturing and electric mobility boom have spawned jobs galore. These underscore how decarbonization fuels development, creating a virtuous cycle.
Emphasizing energy security, affordability, and universal access, Dr. Mishra urged that transitions in the Global South must be just, inclusive, and growth-oriented, honoring principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, national contexts, and sustained global partnerships. India’s credentials shine bright: slashing GDP emission intensity by 36% from 2005-2020 and fulfilling Paris Agreement targets nine years early, making it the first G20 nation to do so.
Diversification remains key. The National Solar Mission scaled from 20 GW to 100 GW, bolstered by 2016 tariff tweaks, 2018 biofuel policies, and the 2021 National Hydrogen Mission propelling green hydrogen. Opening atomic energy to private players marks a historic leap, eyeing baseload expansion by 2047. PM-KUSUM and biofuels invigorate rural economies.
Clean energy’s gains reach households directly, morphing consumers into prosumers. Near-100% electrification, PM Surya Ghar, UJALA LED drive, building codes, and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement catalyze efficiency and behavioral shifts. PLI schemes have catapulted solar PV module capacity to 120 GW.
Leading 112 sun-rich nations via the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India’s Panchamrit pledges, early goal achievements, and LiFE have crowned it a climate vanguard. Dr. Mishra reiterated calls for climate justice, finance, and tech transfer. As renewables surge, grid stability demands transmission investments and storage. Coal’s near-term role persists, with emission cuts ongoing.
In summation, India’s model masterfully balances development and ecology, serving as a beacon for the Global South.
