Energetica India Magazine May - June 2026

outweigh the increase in critical mineral imports, ultimately strengthening In- dia’s overall energy security position. The transition also complements the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Studies suggest that widespread solar energy adoption alone could substantial- ly reduce crude oil and LNG imports by 2047, potentially generating significant long-term savings for the economy as so- lar-powered electrification displaces fos - sil fuel consumption across households, industry, and infrastructure. Similarly, the scaling of domestic solar manufac- turing, producing PV modules, cells, wafers, and ingots entirely within India, reduces dependence on imported energy equipment and foreign supply chains, strengthening India’s self-reliance at both the energy generation and manu- facturing levels. The Key Interventions Driving the Tran- sition Four interventions are likely to play a particularly important role in this tran- sition: ● Solar Energy Manufacturing and De- ployment: Solar energy sits at the foun- dation of India’s energy transition. With domestic PV module manufacturing capacity crossing 160 GW and annual solar installations hitting a record 37.9 GW in 2025, India is rapidly building the infrastructure to power its economy on homegrown sunshine. The PLI scheme, ALMM framework, and Domestic Con- tent Requirements are together creat- ing a fully integrated solar value chain, from silicon ingot to finished PV Module, that reduces dependence on imported energy and imported equipment simul- taneously. Large-scale programmes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM are bringing solar directly to homes, farms, and communities, de- mocratising clean energy access while displacing fossil fuel consumption at scale. Every gigawatt of solar capacity added is a step toward energy indepen- dence. ● Transport Electrification: Transporta- tion remains one of the largest consum- ers of petroleum in India. Every electric vehicle powered through renewable ener- gy gradually reduces dependence on im- ported crude oil while supporting clean- er and more efficient mobility systems. ● Green Hydrogen: India is steadily po- sitioning itself as a competitive player in this emerging sector. Under the Nation- al Green Hydrogen Mission, incentives have already been awarded for 4.5 lakh tonnes per year of production capacity. Green ammonia is now being supplied to fertiliser units, while India has dis- covered some of the world’s most com- petitive green hydrogen pricing at INR 53.27 per kilogram. This demonstrates how rapidly the ecosystem is evolving. ● Industrial Decarbonisation: Sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals currently rely heavily on fossil fuels, but pilot projects introducing green hydro- gen into manufacturing processes are beginning to create pathways for low- er-carbon industrial growth. Over time, these efforts can help reduce exposure to volatile global energy markets while strengthening domestic industrial com- petitiveness. The Transition Will Take Time Of course, the transition will take time. Storage technologies continue to evolve, grid balancing remains an ongoing chal- lenge, and electric mobility adoption is still scaling. Coal will continue to play an important role in India’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, even as renew- able capacity expands rapidly. Strategic petroleum reserves and diversified crude sourcing will therefore continue to re- main important components of India’s energy strategy. At the same time, the long-term resil- ience renewable energy offers are becom- ing increasingly clear. Every gigawatt of solar or wind capacity installed, every diesel pump replaced, and every industri- al process powered through cleaner ener- gy sources gradually reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. Over time, these incremental shifts can collectively create a more stable and secure energy future. India’s Opportunity Ahead India is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. The country has among the world’s highest solar irradiation levels, strong wind potential across its coast- lines and highlands, expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, and grow- ing policy support through Produc- tion-Linked Incentive schemes. As the founding member and headquarters of the International Solar Alliance, India is also playing a significant role in shaping the global clean energy conversation. The question is no longer whether India can build this future. The progress of the past decade clearly demonstrates that it can and already is. The opportunity now lies in accelerating this momentum and strengthening the energy systems that will support India’s long-term economic ambitions. India has the vision, the policy frame- work, and the momentum. What will make the difference now is sustained ex- ecution and continued urgency. Solar energy, after all, offers India one of its most stable and domestically avail- able sources of power, and that could be- come one of the country’s greatest long- term strengths. energetica INDIA- May-June_2026 55 ENERGY SECURITY