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India Observes World Environment Day with Renewable Energy Focus; Industry Voices Support for Sustainable Growth

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets globally, with solar power driving much of the expansion. The country’s renewable energy capacity stands at nearly 279 GW. Solar energy accounts for about 155 GW of that capacity, while wind power has crossed 56 GW.

June 05, 2026. By Abha Rustagi

India marked World Environment Day on Thursday by highlighting gains in renewable energy, forest conservation and wildlife protection, as the government sought to showcase progress toward its climate and sustainability goals while balancing rapid economic growth.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed environmental protection into a mass movement through initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, large-scale solar deployment and expansion of renewable energy capacity.

“Warm greetings to everyone on World Environment Day. Modi Ji made environmental protection a global movement by building the world's third-largest renewable energy capacity, the National Green Hydrogen Mission and powering millions of homes with solar power,” Shah said in a post on social media.

The annual observance, led by the United Nations on June 5, serves as a global platform to encourage governments, businesses and citizens to tackle environmental challenges including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets globally, with solar power driving much of the expansion. The country’s renewable energy capacity stands at nearly 279 GW. Solar energy accounts for about 155 GW of that capacity, while wind power has crossed 56 GW.

The government says India has already achieved a major milestone by sourcing more than 50 percent of its installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris climate agreement.

India also recently surpassed the United States to become the world's second-largest contributor to annual solar capacity additions, behind only China, reflecting the rapid pace of renewable energy deployment.

The renewable energy sector remains central to India’s broader climate strategy, which targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. However, challenges remain, including grid integration, transmission infrastructure and policy certainty for investors as renewable energy penetration rises.

Industry executives say continued investment in energy storage, transmission networks and domestic manufacturing will be crucial for sustaining growth.

As India accelerates its transition to cleaner sources of energy and strengthens conservation efforts, World Environment Day highlights the growing role of sustainability in shaping the country's economic future. Policymakers and industry leaders say continued investment and public participation will be critical to maintaining that momentum.

Ishver Dholakiya, Founder and Managing Director, Goldi Solar, said, “As India moves towards its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, World Environment Day reminds us that sustainability is not just an environmental priority, it is central to the nation’s economic growth and development. India’s solar manufacturing journey, from 2.3 GW of module capacity in 2014 to 172 GW today, reflects the strength of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. At Goldi Solar, we are proud to be a part of this transformation, having scaled our manufacturing capacity from 3 GW to 15.2 GW in just 14 months. As renewable energy adoption continues to accelerate, the focus must also be on building a strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem that supports India’s energy independence, creates jobs, and strengthens our position in the global clean energy value chain.”

Kartik Daftari, Managing Director and CEO at Hi-Tech Radiators, remarked, “The Indian manufacturing sector is experiencing a shift where environmental performance is influencing competitiveness, customer preference and long-term business resilience. Manufacturing along with energy and transportation sectors are the largest contributors to global emissions, making industrial decarbonisation essential to achieve climate goals. At Hi-Tech, we are translating commitment into action. Today, 55 percent of our power is met through renewable energy and we continue to expand this share while promoting manufacturing consolidation and automation-led efficiencies. We are aiming for a substantial decrease in carbon emissions throughout our operations by targeting the two biggest sources of our carbon footprint i.e. power consumption and logistics."

Anurag Agarwal, CEO Global Exports and New Businesses, Polycab India, said, “As investments in solar, wind, energy storage, and electric mobility continue to accelerate, the need for reliable and efficient electrical infrastructure will become increasingly critical. At Polycab, we see this as a long-term responsibility. Through our portfolio of electrical and solar solutions, we are helping build the infrastructure backbone required for India's energy transition. Our own sustainability journey reflects this commitment, with renewable energy initiatives helping avoid over 31,300 MTCO₂e of emissions in FY25. Sustainable progress is built through thousands of decisions across the value chain, and the quality of infrastructure that connects clean energy to end users will play a defining role in shaping India's growth story.”

Ateesh Samant, COO, Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., said, "India's clean energy transition is entering a defining phase, with renewable energy emerging as a cornerstone of the country's economic growth, energy security and sustainability agenda. The momentum being created through ambitious capacity targets, supportive policy frameworks and growing industry participation presents a significant opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation while meeting the nation's rising energy needs. As this transition progresses, the focus must be on building integrated and future-ready energy infrastructure that can support long-term growth. This includes expanding renewable energy capacity, strengthening transmission networks and incorporating energy storage solutions to enhance grid reliability and resilience. For developers, the responsibility extends beyond project execution to creating assets that deliver lasting environmental and economic value.”

Sandesh Naik, CFO, AB Energia, said, "The global energy transition is creating new opportunities to reimagine how energy is generated, delivered and consumed. In India, the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity reflects not only a commitment to sustainability but also a broader vision of building a cleaner, more resilient and self-reliant energy ecosystem. As the sector continues to evolve, the emphasis must increasingly shift towards efficient execution and seamless integration of renewable energy infrastructure. EPC companies have a critical role to play in translating clean energy ambitions into operational reality by deploying high-quality, scalable and future-ready projects. The growing convergence of renewable energy, storage technologies and digital innovation will be instrumental in ensuring that clean power remains reliable, accessible and capable of supporting long-term economic growth.”

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, said, At Hindustan Zinc, we believe the future of mining is about producing the metals the world needs while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet. As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, zinc and silver will play a vital role in enabling infrastructure, clean energy, and economic growth. Our responsibility is to ensure that this future is built on innovation, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship. From becoming one of the world's most water-positive metals companies to scaling renewable energy, circular solutions, electric mobility, and low-carbon products, we are reimagining what sustainable mining can look like.”

Rahul Gautam, Co-Founder, Exeliq Solutions, said, "Nature's greatest lesson is efficiency. As India advances its clean energy transition, the focus must extend beyond renewable energy deployment to building reliable and efficient energy systems that can support long-term sustainability. It is about creating intelligent and efficient systems that can support a low-carbon future, from solar power and electric mobility to smart grids, energy storage, and distributed energy infrastructure. The World Environment Day 2026 theme, 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.', reinforces the need to design infrastructure that optimises resources, reduces waste, and strengthens resilience. The choices we make today in energy, mobility, and technology will define the sustainability of our future."

Pulkit Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Battery Smart, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that building a greener future requires both cleaner technologies and smarter energy infrastructure. At Battery Smart, we are enabling this transition by making electric mobility more accessible, affordable, and inclusive through innovative battery solutions. As EV adoption continues to accelerate across India, the role of reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Our network has powered more than 3.6 billion emission-free kilometres and helped avoid over 260,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions till date, demonstrating the impact that sustainable innovation can create at scale. Every electric kilometre travelled brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come."

Prof. Dev Niyogi, key advisor & founding member, IAIRO, William Stamps Farish Chair Professor and UNESCO Chair at the University of Texas at Austin, said, "India is no longer dealing with isolated episodes of extreme weather. We are seeing a structural climate shift that is beginning to affect how our cities are planned, how energy is consumed, and how vulnerable communities experience everyday life. The recent surge in peak power demand, crossing 270 GW during the summer, is an early signal of what lies ahead, especially when household air-conditioner penetration in India is still relatively low. The real challenge, therefore, is not only to respond to heatwaves, floods or resource stress after they occur, but to build the intelligence layer that helps anticipate, plan and adapt before risks become crises.”

Gautam Aggarwal, Global Chief Revenue Officer at Bidgely, said, "As India continues to witness record power demand amid rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation, the conversation around sustainability is becoming increasingly action-oriented. The focus today is not only on generating cleaner energy, but also on helping consumers use energy more intelligently and efficiently in their everyday lives. With over 5 crore smart meters now installed across the country, India is building the foundation for a more connected and responsive energy ecosystem. The real opportunity lies in transforming this data into meaningful consumer action. Through AI-powered energy intelligence, utilities can help households identify wastage, optimise consumption and make smarter energy decisions without compromising comfort or convenience.”

Tanmoy Duari, Chief Executive Officer, AXITEC Energy India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Climate action is often discussed in terms of distant targets and future milestones, but its true impact is measured by the choices we make today. Renewable energy is no longer an alternative source of power; it is becoming the foundation of a more secure, resilient, and environmentally responsible economy. In India, we are witnessing a significant shift where clean energy is moving beyond policy discussions and becoming an integral part of business strategy, infrastructure development, and community growth. Every megawatt of solar energy deployed not only reduces dependence on conventional energy sources but also creates long-term value for future generations.”

Suhas Donthi, CEO and President, Emmvee Group, said, As we commemorate World Environment Day, as much as I am proud of the role the solar industry is playing in accelerating the country’s clean energy transition, I also believe the industry now has a larger responsibility to lead in a more holistic manner. Today, solar power contributes over 154 GW, making it one of the largest contributors to India’s renewable energy capacity. But the true climate dividend of solar energy is not merely generating clean power; the real measurement of success lies in how responsibly we manufacture, use, and manage solar products across their entire lifecycle. For manufacturers, this means moving beyond conventional approaches to building an ecosystem that is designed around resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circularity. Greater adoption of systems such as Zero Liquid Discharge, stronger focus on recyclable and resource-efficient product design, and responsible management of products will become increasingly important.”

Radhika Kalia, Managing Director, RLG Systems India Pvt. Ltd., said, "On World Environment Day 2026, the theme 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.' reminds us that sustainability must move beyond intent and become part of everyday action. Effective waste management, responsible recycling, and circular economy practices are critical to conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. As businesses and individuals, we all have a role to play in ensuring that materials are collected, processed, and reused responsibly. A sustainable future will be built through collective action, accountability, and a shared commitment to creating lasting environmental value."

Dr. Bondada Raghavendra Rao, Chairman and MD, Bondada Group, said, "World Environment Day reminds us that the future of development must be sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. As Bharat accelerates its growth across infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors, sustainability must remain at the core of every investment and innovation. The transition to clean energy, efficient resource utilisation, and resilient infrastructure will be critical in addressing global climate challenges while supporting robust economic progress. At Bondada Group, we are committed to contributing to this vision. Through our large-scale renewable energy initiatives, advanced solar EPC works, and battery storage solutions, we are pioneering the shift toward a low-carbon grid. At the same time, we focus on manufacturing eco-friendly green construction materials so modern development doesn't come at the expense of our natural ecosystems.”

Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager India & MD Renewables & Batteries SEA, ENGIE, said, “ World Environment Day is a moment to reflect on the close link between energy and the environment. As demand for electricity continues to grow, our responsibility is clear; not just to produce more energy, but to do so in a way that is sustainable and future ready. Renewable energy is at the heart of this shift, helping reduce emissions, preserve natural resources, and strengthen long-term resilience. India has made significant progress, with around half of its installed capacity now coming from non-fossil sources and a clear pathway towards its 500 GW ambition. The focus ahead must be on ensuring this clean energy is reliable and flexible, enabled by storage, hybrid solutions, and smarter energy management. At ENGIE, we are committed to playing our part in this transition. Through our work across solar, wind, battery storage, and low-carbon energy solutions, we are contributing to a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system for the future.”

Vishal Vikram, Co-Founder, Bijliride, said, "The true scale of India’s electric vehicle transition won't be achieved by targeting niche buyers with luxury upgrades; it hinges entirely on democratising green mobility for our massive workforce of gig workers, delivery riders, and daily commuters. Real, sustainable environmental impact doesn't require ordinary citizens to turn into hardcore activists; it simply requires the industry to remove the heavy upfront costs and structural friction of switching to an EV. Through mass-market rental models, we are proving that when you empower common people to look after their daily pockets, they naturally and effortlessly end up looking after the planet. Every single kilometer covered on an electric scooter quietly slashes carbon emissions without disrupting the rider's livelihood. For a developing economy like India, micro-steps taken by the masses during their daily commute will always drive a bigger climate revolution than grand boardroom promises."

Aditya Pyasi, CEO of IWTMA, said, “World Environment Day underscores that environmental sustainability and energy security must advance together, especially for a fast-growing economy like India. Wind energy is central to this transition. In FY 2024–25, India added over 6 GW of new wind capacity—the highest annual addition in recent years, reflecting renewed momentum in the sector. As a cost-effective, scalable, and domestically available resource, wind power reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports while strengthening grid reliability and supporting India’s net-zero ambitions. With significant untapped onshore and offshore potential, the next phase of growth will depend on consistent policy support, faster project execution, and continued strengthening of domestic manufacturing and supply chains.”

Amit Jaju, Senior Managing Director, India - Ankura Consulting Group, said, “Artificial Intelligence is a double-edged sword for the environment. On one side, it demands massive energy and water—training a single AI model can emit hundreds of tons of carbon and consume thousands of megawatt hours. On the other, AI is accelerating climate solutions: optimising renewable energy grids, enabling precision agriculture, predicting natural disasters, and driving breakthroughs in sustainable materials. The net environmental impact of AI hinges not on the technology itself, but on how swiftly we power it with clean energy, design efficient algorithms, and deploy it deliberately for nature-positive outcomes. If aligned with nature-inspired climate action, AI can tip the balance toward a sustainable future—not away from it.”

Mukesh Arora, Head of ESG, SAEL Industries Ltd., said, “The signs of a changing climate are a clear reminder that the environment is connected to the choices we make every day. Heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and rising environmental stress are no longer distant concerns or occasional disruptions. They are part of a new reality that calls for urgent, consistent, and collective action. Sustainability can no longer remain a statement of intent. It must be reflected in the way we consume, conserve, and use resources. Across industries, there is a visible shift in how businesses are approaching sustainability, placing it at the centre of decision-making and linking it closely with risk management, capital allocation, and long-term value creation.”

Pramod C, Director, Gopalan Metals, said, “Every electric vehicle, every solar panel, and every kilometre of smart grid runs on copper. As India races toward its 2070 net-zero target, the demand for this metal will only intensify. But decarbonising our infrastructure while perpetuating carbon-heavy manufacturing is a contradiction we cannot afford. At Gopalan Metals, we have made a deliberate choice to build a manufacturing operation that is as responsible as the technologies it enables. Copper is nature's gift to the clean energy transition; it is 100 percent recyclable, extraordinarily conductive, and endlessly reusable. Our role is to honour that gift by minimising waste, maximising efficiency, and keeping the entire production lifecycle within a tightly controlled, digitally governed ecosystem at our Hoskote facility.”

Sriram Kannan, Founder and CEO, Routematic, said, "This year's World Environment Day theme, 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,' is a powerful reminder that meaningful climate action requires us to rethink how we live, work, and move. As India accelerates its transition towards cleaner mobility through the growing adoption of EVs, it is equally important to focus on making transportation more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. The future of mobility will be shaped not only by electrification, but also by smarter utilisation of resources through shared and technology-driven transportation models. At Routematic, we have been committed to advancing this vision by helping organisations optimise employee mobility through intelligent route planning, shared commuting, and data-driven fleet management solutions."

Vasudha Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Ostara Advisors, said, “This World Environment Day, the signal from the market is unmistakable. India sold over 2.3 million electric vehicles in 2025, about 8 percent of all new registrations, and now runs over 100 compressed biogas plants (with a 5000 plant target by 2030) backed by a blending mandate that turns climate goals into guaranteed demand. Climate tech funding rose close to 2 billion dollars in 2025, up roughly 40 percent year on year, proof that capital is returning. But almost all of it stops early. Barely 3 percent of India’s climate tech startups reach Series B or beyond. The technology and the policy are ready. What the transition needs now is growth-stage, patient capital, and closing that gap is the work in front of us.”

Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, “World Environment Day underscores the urgent need for collective action, innovation, and accountability in addressing climate challenges. At Tech Mahindra, we believe technology is a key enabler in accelerating sustainability outcomes and driving responsible growth. As we progress towards our commitments of achieving SBTi-validated Net Zero by 2035, a 90 percent renewable energy mix by 2030 and Water Positivity by 2030, we remain focused on embedding sustainability across our operations. We are also actively supporting enterprises in their sustainability journeys by leveraging digital innovation to help them meet their ESG goals.”

Arif Aga, Director, SgurrEnergy, said, "Environmental sustainability is no longer a standalone objective; it is increasingly intertwined with economic resilience, energy security, and long-term value creation. As governments and industries accelerate investment in clean energy infrastructure, the emphasis must be ensuring that projects are technically robust, financially sustainable, and capable of delivering lasting outcomes. World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that the quality of decisions made today will shape the resilience and prosperity of future generations."

Abhishek Sarmah, Head of Corporate Strategy and Strategic Marketing, ESG and CSR, Delta Electronics India, said, Renewable energy is no longer a vision for the future — it is the reality we are building today. And India is building it faster than almost anyone expected. More than 270 gigawatts of renewable capacity installed. Third-largest renewable energy nation in the world. Fifty percent of our power now coming from clean sources, sooner than the roadmap imagined. This country has proven that scale and speed are not obstacles to sustainability. They can be its greatest allies. At Delta Electronics India, we have always believed that the real work of the energy transition happens quietly — in the efficiency of every power system, in the intelligence of every building, in the reliability of every solar inverter, every EV charger, every automated industrial process. We do not just supply technology. We work to make clean energy more dependable, more efficient, and more accessible across every sector that keeps India moving.”

Praveen Kakulte, Founder & CEO - POWERCON Group, said, "World Environment Day reinforces an important reality that achieving a more sustainable future will depend on how effectively we transform the way energy is produced, managed, and consumed. India making strides with installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity now crossing 279 GW (including large hydro) ranks 3 at global level. This growth reflects India’s commitment to combat environmental impact and reduce GHG emissions while meeting its growing energy needs. As we continue to expand RE capacity, it is equally important to ensure that existing assets operate efficiently and reliably over the long term. The true value of a RE project lies in its ability to consistently generate maximum clean energy throughout its lifecycle - more MWh of Energy per MW of Power installed!”

Subhash Bhat, Interim CEO, Indofast Energy, said, "Sustainability at scale requires infrastructure that maximises resource efficiency while making clean choices practical and economically viable. At Indofast Energy, our Battery-as-a-Service model is helping address some of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, including long charging time, range anxiety, and upfront vehicle costs, while ensuring that clean mobility remains accessible and scalable. Today, our network spans over 1,795 battery swapping stations across 24 cities, supports more than 100,000 EVs, and has enabled over 1.8 billion kilometers of clean mobility, preventing more than 90,000 tones of CO₂ emissions. These outcomes demonstrate the power of shared energy infrastructure in delivering environmental impact while enabling higher productivity, lower operating costs, and a faster transition to electric mobility for users.”

Ekta Kabra, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Geon – Green Energy ON, said, "World Environment Day reminds us that building a sustainable future is not just about generating clean energy, but also about making it available when people need it. Energy storage and electric mobility can help reduce emissions, improve energy security, and support India's journey towards greater energy independence. Together, they can play an important role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for all."

Kajal Shah, CEO and Co-founder, Dreamfly Innovations, said, "A sustainable future cannot be built by one individual, one company, or one government alone. It requires collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for a healthier planet. On World Environment Day, we are reminded that every effort counts, no matter how big or small. At Dreamfly Innovations, we are proud to contribute to this journey through innovations that support cleaner energy and more sustainable mobility. As we look ahead, our focus remains on creating solutions that not only drive progress but also help preserve the environment for generations to come. The choices we make today will shape the world we leave behind tomorrow."