India’s Next Renewable Phase Shifts to Hybrid, Storage, Grid, Hydro, and Green Hydrogen

India’s renewable energy sector is entering a transformative phase, shifting focus from rapid capacity addition to building a robust, dispatchable, and resilient energy system. After growing more than fivefold in the past decade, from under 35 GW in 2014 to over 197 GW today (excluding large hydro), the emphasis is now on integration, stability, and quality rather than just quantity.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India remains among the fastest-growing renewable markets globally. Over 40 GW of projects are in advanced stages of securing PPAs, PSAs, or transmission connectivity. While central and state agencies have conducted bids totaling nearly 9 GW, commercial and industrial consumers are expected to add another 6 GW in 2025. Policy adjustments, including Renewable Power Purchase Obligation enforcement, hybrid and storage-integrated tenders, domestic manufacturing incentives, and revised GST and ALMM provisions, signal a strategic pivot toward firm and dispatchable green energy.

Transmission reforms form a key pillar of this phase. The INR 2.4 lakh crore Transmission Plan for 500 GW, Green Energy Corridors, and new high-capacity lines from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Ladakh aim to unlock over 200 GW of renewable potential. HVDC corridors and inter-regional transmission upgrades are projected to increase capacity from 120 GW today to 168 GW by 2032. Amendments to CERC’s General Network Access Regulations introduce time-segmented access and stricter connectivity norms, improving grid readiness for solar, wind, and storage projects.

India continues to attract global clean energy capital thanks to competitive tariffs, strong policy support, and a growing domestic manufacturing base. Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, green attribute trading, and day-ahead and real-time market integration are enabling new investment and grid flexibility.

Looking forward, the next phase of growth includes large hybrid and RTC projects, offshore wind, pumped hydro storage, distributed solar and agrovoltaic projects under PM-SuryaGhar and PM-KUSUM, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Green Energy Corridor Phase III. The sector is consolidating its gains to ensure future expansion is faster, more sustainable, and strategically resilient.

India’s renewable transition is now defined not by quarterly numbers but by systemic maturity, institutional strength, and strategic endurance, a Viksit Bharat approach to clean energy.