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Akshay Urja Diwas 2025: India Continues to Step up its Momentum Toward Clean Energy
August 20 is observed as Akshay Urja Diwas across India to promote awareness about the importance of renewable energy.
August 20, 2025. By News Bureau
Over the past decade, India has made remarkable progress in diversifying its energy sector, steadily reducing its dependence on conventional fossil fuels, and increasing investments in clean energy technologies.
August 20 is observed as Akshay Urja Diwas across India to promote awareness about the importance of renewable energy and commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
This campaign was initiated in 2004 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. Since then, it has grown into a significant annual event celebrated across the country, involving schools, colleges, institutions, and local governments. Through exhibitions, campaigns, and public events, Akshay Urja Diwas has played a crucial role in promoting a mindset shift toward clean and sustainable energy solutions in India.
As a result of ambitious national goals and strategic investments, India has consolidated its position as a global leader in clean energy. As of January 20, 2025, the country’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity reached 217.62 GW, reflecting robust progress toward the goal of 500 GW by 2030. India’s commitment to reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 is supported by initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar - Muft Bijli Yojana, PM E-Drive PM-KUSUM for solarising agriculture, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
Looking at the progress made over the past period, renewable energy generation is set to almost double from 193.50 BU in 2013-14 to 359.89 BU in 2023-24, of which 61.84 BU has already been generated in FY 2024-25, in 2024, India added approximately 21 GW of solar and 3 GW of wind capacity, pushing total renewable energy capacity beyond 220 GW.
Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, “At Serentica Renewables, our mission goes beyond delivering clean energy it’s about touching lives and shaping a better tomorrow. We believe decarbonisation and socio-economic growth go hand in hand. From creating jobs and nurturing local entrepreneurship to building stronger infrastructure, our efforts aim to uplift communities. We invest in the next generation by offering technical training, promoting digital literacy, and fostering innovation in the clean energy space. Equally, we’re committed to expanding energy access so that reliable renewable power reaches those who need it most. For us, industrial decarbonisation isn’t just about supplying firm green power it’s about ensuring its benefits are felt by people everywhere, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future”.
“India’s renewable energy ambitions are a powerful catalyst for building a ‘Naya Bharat’ - a nation that is green, resilient, and future-ready. Aluminium, with its lightweight, durable, and infinitely recyclable properties, is central to this transformation. It is indispensable for solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy infrastructure, enabling faster deployment, enhanced efficiency, and longer life cycles, making it critical to India’s decarbonisation journey. Beyond our operations, we are deeply committed to integrating renewable energy into everyday life at the grassroots level. Through impactful initiatives, such as installing solar-powered streetlights in rural Odisha and distributing improved cookstoves to local communities, we aim to reduce dependence on biofuels, enhance air quality, and lower carbon emissions,” added Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium.
Prakarsh Dwivedi, CEO, Iline EV Logistics, stated, “On World Renewable Energy Day, the focusing on decentralising energy access in the logistics industry is paving the way for inclusive and sustainable growth, especially in rural areas. By leveraging electric vehicles (EVs), logistics companies are reducing reliance on fossil fuels while creating cleaner, more efficient transportation networks. Startups and young innovators are at the forefront of this shift by developing EV-based delivery models, battery swapping solutions, and solar-powered charging infrastructure tailored for underserved regions. Startups are driving change by integrating technology with clean energy, while youth participation brings fresh perspectives and grassroots solutions. This decentralised, EV-driven logistics model empowers communities, strengthens last-mile delivery, and supports a greener, more resilient supply chain, marking a vital step toward equitable and sustainable development.”
Dr. A Pandian, HoD, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, KL Deemed to be University, commented, “On World Renewable Energy Day, we recognise the transformative impact of decentralised energy solutions in bridging the energy access gap across rural India. Microgrids, solar home systems and bioenergy projects deliver reliable and affordable electricity to underserved communities and regions. With the help of programs like Startup India and the Atal Innovation Mission as well as funding from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), social businesses and startups are developing solutions that are both scalable and tailored to specific contexts. In the future, decentralised energy will play an integral role in India’s sustainable energy mix, driven by a combination of government policy, grassroots innovation, and active youth engagement.”
N Venu, MD and CEO, India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy, said," On Renewable Energy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to inspiring the next era of sustainable energy. In India, this translates to a deep-rooted commitment to powering the nation's energy transition journey and ensuring that a reliable, uninterrupted energy supply becomes tangible for today and the next generation. At Hitachi Energy, our focus is to ensure grid integration, reliability, and resilience at scale as we partner in India's energy journey. Our pioneering technologies, industry-leading experience, and deep domain expertise drive our strong foundation in the country. Notably, India has reached 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its target under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) —marking a significant achievement in its energy transition journey. This milestone reflects the country's commitment to building a robust clean energy ecosystem."
Akshat Jain, CEO, KLK Ventures, shared, “On World Renewable Energy Day, we celebrate the transformative power of decentralised solar energy in revolutionising rural communities. Solar energy solutions enable villages to become energy self-sufficient, lowering electricity costs and reducing dependence on unreliable grids. This shift not only supports sustainable development but also enhances the quality of life by powering homes, schools, and healthcare centers. Startups and youth participation are driving innovation in this space, creating cutting-edge, scalable solar technologies tailored to local needs. On this World Renewable Energy Day, we recognise that decentralised solar power is not just a technology, it’s a path to inclusive growth, reduced carbon footprints, and resilient rural futures, lighting the way toward a greener tomorrow for all.”
Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director and CEO, Hartek Group, shared, “Decarbonisation and sustainability are central to India’s growth story. Mission 2030, with its 500 GW non-fossil energy target, is being powered by solar expansion and forward-looking initiatives such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, PLI for solar manufacturing, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Together, these initiatives are accelerating our journey toward Net Zero by 2070 and true energy independence by 2047. At Hartek — India’s 3rd largest solar EPC player — we are proud to play our part by connecting over 10 GW of solar to the grid and commissioning 200 MW of rooftop projects, ensuring that progressive policies translate into real, on-ground impact, driving India toward a cleaner and brighter energy future.”
Ranjan Kumar, Director - Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, SKF India, added, “We believe decentralising energy access is transformative for rural communities and our nation’s growth. At SKF, we see reducing friction as the key to creating more energy, energy that powers progress, enhances efficiency, and unlocks new opportunities. By embedding sustainability into our operations, we strive to deliver practical solutions that enable businesses and communities to thrive. Our commitment extends beyond technology, we work alongside businesses and communities, invest in people, and foster an ecosystem where innovation drives lasting impact. Our SKF Sustainability Partner Programme strengthens this commitment by enabling our distributors and customers to collaborate on reducing environmental footprints through advanced solutions, helping industries accelerate their green transition together.”
Alankar Mittal, President Business Unit Head, Solar and International Business at Livguard, stated, “India’s energy story is moving from big grids to local power, and it’s changing lives in the last mile. With rooftop solar, village microgrids, and reliable home backup, households now see power as an everyday certainty. What makes our context unique is the blend of high solar hours, fast-falling costs, and grassroots programs, from PM-KUSUM to SHG- and FPO-led deployments, putting clean electrons on farms, clinics, and kirana shops. We’re seeing youth lead this shift: trained as installers, O&M technicians, and energy entrepreneurs, they’re pairing smart inverters with lithium storage, pay-as-you-go models, and remote diagnostics to keep systems running through heatwaves and outages. Quality after-sales networks and swap-ready service keep uptime high; recycled pathways for batteries keep the impact circular. Decentralised energy isn’t an alternative to the grid; it’s the grid’s partner, cutting diesel use, stabilising rural livelihoods, and giving students and small businesses the confidence to plan, produce, and grow today.”
Samrath S. Kochar, Founder and CEO, Trontek, said, “Decentralising energy access in India is as much about empowering people as it is about building infrastructure. Advances in battery technology, engineered for reliability, safety, and diverse applications, are enabling clean power to reach rural communities without the limitations of a grid. At Trontek, we see our role in designing and manufacturing solutions that perform in the toughest environments, while also enabling local assembly, maintenance, and smart monitoring. The involvement of skilled youth will be pivotal, turning energy access into sustained economic opportunity, strengthening our energy independence, and creating a workforce ready for the future of e-mobility and storage."
Akshay Shekhar, CEO, Kazam, commented, "EV transition in India is a story of economics and access. Unlike Western markets, where adoption is often driven by innovation hype, here it’s about saving on fuel and maintenance. But for that to work, every household, urban and rural, needs access to clean, reliable electricity. At Kazam, operating in over 300 cities, we’ve learned that power quality and infrastructure needs vary dramatically across regions. That’s why we’re building systems that are interoperable, resilient, and locally adaptable - because India’s transition must work everywhere, for everyone."
Riki Biswas, CEO and Founder of Pointo, shared, “India’s energy story is shifting from big grids to small, local power. The unlock is simple: financing plus uptime. When a battery moves from a heavy upfront purchase to an affordable monthly lease with 15-minute KYC, adoption increases significantly, especially in tier-II/III towns and rural clusters. And for operators who prefer ownership, easy EMI-based battery loans via lending partners sit alongside leasing, keeping the upgrade just as accessible. Drivers earn, shops stay open, and clinics keep lights on. What excites me is the sustainability loop. First life in mobility. Second life in community storage for micro-grids and backup. Third life through responsible recycling. That’s circularity, lower waste, lower costs, lower emissions. We also must create opportunities. The next decade belongs to models that make clean power local, affordable, and inclusive, and we’re building exactly that.”
Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager, ENGIE India, added, “India stands at a pivotal moment: its energy strategy will shape the country’s economic trajectory for the next three decades. Manufacturing competitiveness, AI-driven industries, and digital infrastructure will gravitate toward regions where power is clean, affordable, and uninterrupted. The real constraints are not ambition but storage capacity, grid readiness, and the speed of scale-up. ENGIE is addressing these challenges by investing in hybrid renewable solutions with large-scale storage, ensuring industrial growth is never tied to the monsoon or imported fossil fuels. Nations that deliver reliable clean energy at scale will secure both economic growth and global influence.”
India’s performance in 2024 lays a strong foundation for even greater renewable energy achievements in 2025 and beyond. As the country celebrates Akshay Urja Diwas 2025, it is doing so with a sense of purpose, momentum, and optimism, proving that clean energy is not just a goal, but a national priority.
August 20 is observed as Akshay Urja Diwas across India to promote awareness about the importance of renewable energy and commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
This campaign was initiated in 2004 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. Since then, it has grown into a significant annual event celebrated across the country, involving schools, colleges, institutions, and local governments. Through exhibitions, campaigns, and public events, Akshay Urja Diwas has played a crucial role in promoting a mindset shift toward clean and sustainable energy solutions in India.
As a result of ambitious national goals and strategic investments, India has consolidated its position as a global leader in clean energy. As of January 20, 2025, the country’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity reached 217.62 GW, reflecting robust progress toward the goal of 500 GW by 2030. India’s commitment to reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 is supported by initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar - Muft Bijli Yojana, PM E-Drive PM-KUSUM for solarising agriculture, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
Looking at the progress made over the past period, renewable energy generation is set to almost double from 193.50 BU in 2013-14 to 359.89 BU in 2023-24, of which 61.84 BU has already been generated in FY 2024-25, in 2024, India added approximately 21 GW of solar and 3 GW of wind capacity, pushing total renewable energy capacity beyond 220 GW.
Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, “At Serentica Renewables, our mission goes beyond delivering clean energy it’s about touching lives and shaping a better tomorrow. We believe decarbonisation and socio-economic growth go hand in hand. From creating jobs and nurturing local entrepreneurship to building stronger infrastructure, our efforts aim to uplift communities. We invest in the next generation by offering technical training, promoting digital literacy, and fostering innovation in the clean energy space. Equally, we’re committed to expanding energy access so that reliable renewable power reaches those who need it most. For us, industrial decarbonisation isn’t just about supplying firm green power it’s about ensuring its benefits are felt by people everywhere, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future”.
“India’s renewable energy ambitions are a powerful catalyst for building a ‘Naya Bharat’ - a nation that is green, resilient, and future-ready. Aluminium, with its lightweight, durable, and infinitely recyclable properties, is central to this transformation. It is indispensable for solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy infrastructure, enabling faster deployment, enhanced efficiency, and longer life cycles, making it critical to India’s decarbonisation journey. Beyond our operations, we are deeply committed to integrating renewable energy into everyday life at the grassroots level. Through impactful initiatives, such as installing solar-powered streetlights in rural Odisha and distributing improved cookstoves to local communities, we aim to reduce dependence on biofuels, enhance air quality, and lower carbon emissions,” added Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium.
Prakarsh Dwivedi, CEO, Iline EV Logistics, stated, “On World Renewable Energy Day, the focusing on decentralising energy access in the logistics industry is paving the way for inclusive and sustainable growth, especially in rural areas. By leveraging electric vehicles (EVs), logistics companies are reducing reliance on fossil fuels while creating cleaner, more efficient transportation networks. Startups and young innovators are at the forefront of this shift by developing EV-based delivery models, battery swapping solutions, and solar-powered charging infrastructure tailored for underserved regions. Startups are driving change by integrating technology with clean energy, while youth participation brings fresh perspectives and grassroots solutions. This decentralised, EV-driven logistics model empowers communities, strengthens last-mile delivery, and supports a greener, more resilient supply chain, marking a vital step toward equitable and sustainable development.”
Dr. A Pandian, HoD, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, KL Deemed to be University, commented, “On World Renewable Energy Day, we recognise the transformative impact of decentralised energy solutions in bridging the energy access gap across rural India. Microgrids, solar home systems and bioenergy projects deliver reliable and affordable electricity to underserved communities and regions. With the help of programs like Startup India and the Atal Innovation Mission as well as funding from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), social businesses and startups are developing solutions that are both scalable and tailored to specific contexts. In the future, decentralised energy will play an integral role in India’s sustainable energy mix, driven by a combination of government policy, grassroots innovation, and active youth engagement.”
N Venu, MD and CEO, India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy, said," On Renewable Energy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to inspiring the next era of sustainable energy. In India, this translates to a deep-rooted commitment to powering the nation's energy transition journey and ensuring that a reliable, uninterrupted energy supply becomes tangible for today and the next generation. At Hitachi Energy, our focus is to ensure grid integration, reliability, and resilience at scale as we partner in India's energy journey. Our pioneering technologies, industry-leading experience, and deep domain expertise drive our strong foundation in the country. Notably, India has reached 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its target under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) —marking a significant achievement in its energy transition journey. This milestone reflects the country's commitment to building a robust clean energy ecosystem."
Akshat Jain, CEO, KLK Ventures, shared, “On World Renewable Energy Day, we celebrate the transformative power of decentralised solar energy in revolutionising rural communities. Solar energy solutions enable villages to become energy self-sufficient, lowering electricity costs and reducing dependence on unreliable grids. This shift not only supports sustainable development but also enhances the quality of life by powering homes, schools, and healthcare centers. Startups and youth participation are driving innovation in this space, creating cutting-edge, scalable solar technologies tailored to local needs. On this World Renewable Energy Day, we recognise that decentralised solar power is not just a technology, it’s a path to inclusive growth, reduced carbon footprints, and resilient rural futures, lighting the way toward a greener tomorrow for all.”
Simarpreet Singh, Executive Director and CEO, Hartek Group, shared, “Decarbonisation and sustainability are central to India’s growth story. Mission 2030, with its 500 GW non-fossil energy target, is being powered by solar expansion and forward-looking initiatives such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, PLI for solar manufacturing, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Together, these initiatives are accelerating our journey toward Net Zero by 2070 and true energy independence by 2047. At Hartek — India’s 3rd largest solar EPC player — we are proud to play our part by connecting over 10 GW of solar to the grid and commissioning 200 MW of rooftop projects, ensuring that progressive policies translate into real, on-ground impact, driving India toward a cleaner and brighter energy future.”
Ranjan Kumar, Director - Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, SKF India, added, “We believe decentralising energy access is transformative for rural communities and our nation’s growth. At SKF, we see reducing friction as the key to creating more energy, energy that powers progress, enhances efficiency, and unlocks new opportunities. By embedding sustainability into our operations, we strive to deliver practical solutions that enable businesses and communities to thrive. Our commitment extends beyond technology, we work alongside businesses and communities, invest in people, and foster an ecosystem where innovation drives lasting impact. Our SKF Sustainability Partner Programme strengthens this commitment by enabling our distributors and customers to collaborate on reducing environmental footprints through advanced solutions, helping industries accelerate their green transition together.”
Alankar Mittal, President Business Unit Head, Solar and International Business at Livguard, stated, “India’s energy story is moving from big grids to local power, and it’s changing lives in the last mile. With rooftop solar, village microgrids, and reliable home backup, households now see power as an everyday certainty. What makes our context unique is the blend of high solar hours, fast-falling costs, and grassroots programs, from PM-KUSUM to SHG- and FPO-led deployments, putting clean electrons on farms, clinics, and kirana shops. We’re seeing youth lead this shift: trained as installers, O&M technicians, and energy entrepreneurs, they’re pairing smart inverters with lithium storage, pay-as-you-go models, and remote diagnostics to keep systems running through heatwaves and outages. Quality after-sales networks and swap-ready service keep uptime high; recycled pathways for batteries keep the impact circular. Decentralised energy isn’t an alternative to the grid; it’s the grid’s partner, cutting diesel use, stabilising rural livelihoods, and giving students and small businesses the confidence to plan, produce, and grow today.”
Samrath S. Kochar, Founder and CEO, Trontek, said, “Decentralising energy access in India is as much about empowering people as it is about building infrastructure. Advances in battery technology, engineered for reliability, safety, and diverse applications, are enabling clean power to reach rural communities without the limitations of a grid. At Trontek, we see our role in designing and manufacturing solutions that perform in the toughest environments, while also enabling local assembly, maintenance, and smart monitoring. The involvement of skilled youth will be pivotal, turning energy access into sustained economic opportunity, strengthening our energy independence, and creating a workforce ready for the future of e-mobility and storage."
Akshay Shekhar, CEO, Kazam, commented, "EV transition in India is a story of economics and access. Unlike Western markets, where adoption is often driven by innovation hype, here it’s about saving on fuel and maintenance. But for that to work, every household, urban and rural, needs access to clean, reliable electricity. At Kazam, operating in over 300 cities, we’ve learned that power quality and infrastructure needs vary dramatically across regions. That’s why we’re building systems that are interoperable, resilient, and locally adaptable - because India’s transition must work everywhere, for everyone."
Riki Biswas, CEO and Founder of Pointo, shared, “India’s energy story is shifting from big grids to small, local power. The unlock is simple: financing plus uptime. When a battery moves from a heavy upfront purchase to an affordable monthly lease with 15-minute KYC, adoption increases significantly, especially in tier-II/III towns and rural clusters. And for operators who prefer ownership, easy EMI-based battery loans via lending partners sit alongside leasing, keeping the upgrade just as accessible. Drivers earn, shops stay open, and clinics keep lights on. What excites me is the sustainability loop. First life in mobility. Second life in community storage for micro-grids and backup. Third life through responsible recycling. That’s circularity, lower waste, lower costs, lower emissions. We also must create opportunities. The next decade belongs to models that make clean power local, affordable, and inclusive, and we’re building exactly that.”
Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager, ENGIE India, added, “India stands at a pivotal moment: its energy strategy will shape the country’s economic trajectory for the next three decades. Manufacturing competitiveness, AI-driven industries, and digital infrastructure will gravitate toward regions where power is clean, affordable, and uninterrupted. The real constraints are not ambition but storage capacity, grid readiness, and the speed of scale-up. ENGIE is addressing these challenges by investing in hybrid renewable solutions with large-scale storage, ensuring industrial growth is never tied to the monsoon or imported fossil fuels. Nations that deliver reliable clean energy at scale will secure both economic growth and global influence.”
India’s performance in 2024 lays a strong foundation for even greater renewable energy achievements in 2025 and beyond. As the country celebrates Akshay Urja Diwas 2025, it is doing so with a sense of purpose, momentum, and optimism, proving that clean energy is not just a goal, but a national priority.
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