India’s Renewable Energy Revolution: Cheaper, Smarter, and More Sustainable Published By Anupam Nath India’s renewable energy transition is accelerating faster than ever. In FY24–25, solar and renewable power with battery storage dropped to ₹4.50 per unit—much cheaper than new coal-based thermal power at ₹6.82. This cost shift makes renewables the nation’s most competitive energy source, signaling a major step toward a clean energy future.However, private coal power producers are asking the government to lift restrictions on importing Chinese power equipment, citing high domestic costs and delays in completing stalled projects.Globally, energy storage technology is advancing rapidly. Australia launched its first eight-hour, 400 MWh grid battery system by RWE, proving the value of long-duration storage. Meanwhile, Kerala’s Energy Management Centre (EMC) invited firms to deploy smart battery storage systems that integrate with rooftop solar for homes and businesses—an important pilot for decentralized energy management.As India’s data center electricity demand soars—from 13 TWh to 57 TWh by 2030—the country is projected to become Asia-Pacific’s second-largest data-power consumer. Reports warn that consumers in seven states paid $4.4 billion toward data center transmission upgrades, raising concerns over fair energy cost distribution.Recent updates strengthen this progress: India added a record 12 GW of solar capacity, global battery costs dropped 18%, and five new green hydrogen projects were approved to accelerate industrial decarbonization. India’s renewable energy ecosystem is now driving global sustainability—combining affordability, innovation, and resilience for a carbon-neutral future.
