By Dr. Mahesh Dalvi
NEW DELHI (India CSR): India’s growth story has always been closely linked to its ability to secure reliable and affordable energy. However, recent geopolitical disruptions, energy price volatility, climate-related risks, and increasing dependence on imported fossil fuels have fundamentally altered the energy landscape. Renewable Energy (RE)is no longer justseen as an environmental solution; rather, it has turned into a pillar of economic stability, energy security, and competitiveness for the country. Commitment to reach Net Zero emission status by 2070 and increased targets related to renewable energy generation indicate a decisive move towards a low carbon-future. The transition is not simply about replacing conventional fuels with cleaner alternatives. It represents a broader transformation of industries, infrastructure, technologies, financial systems, and consumer behaviour.
India’s renewable energy journey has gained remarkable momentum over the past decade. Solar energy has emerged as the cornerstone of this transformation, complemented by wind, hydropower, battery storage, green hydrogen, and electric mobility solutions. Beyond addressing climate concerns, the transition is increasingly viewed as a strategic necessity for strengthening energy security, reducing import dependence, and supporting long-term economic growth.
The shift towards clean energy is being driven by a combination of economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors. Rising fossil fuel imports and global market volatility have underscored the need for a more resilient energy system. At the same time, renewable energy presents significant opportunities for job creation, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness. Government initiatives promoting renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, and clean manufacturing are laying the foundation for a low-carbon economy.
However, achieving India’s Net Zero 2070 ambition requires more than expanding renewable energy capacity. Industrial decarbonization must become a key priority, particularly across sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, logistics, and manufacturing. The journey starts with measuring emissions across Scope 1, 2, & 3 categories and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, process optimization, renewable energy integration, electrification, and adoption of emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and carbon capture.
The government’s role remains critical in enabling this transition through supportive policies, grid modernization, investment in energy storage, development of carbon markets, and strengthening domestic clean-energy supply chains. At the same time, businesses must move beyond sustainability commitments and translate ambition into measurable action. Establishing Net Zero roadmaps, increasing renewable energy procurement, embedding sustainability into investment decisions, and managing value-chain emissions will be essential for long-term resilience and competitiveness.
Renewable energy developers and clean-energy producers also have a vital role to play. The next phase of growth will depend on scaling energy storage, hybrid renewable projects, green hydrogen ecosystems, and innovative solutions that improve grid reliability and flexibility. As renewable energy penetration increases, the focus must shift from capacity addition alone to building an integrated and resilient energy system.
Equally important is the role of society. Sustainable consumer choices, adoption of rooftop solar, efficient resource use, cleaner mobility options, and responsible consumption patterns can collectively accelerate India’s green growth agenda. The energy transition will ultimately succeed when sustainability becomes embedded in everyday decisions alongside business and policy priorities.
India’s green growth agenda has evolved beyond the boundaries of climate action and environmental stewardship. Today, it is intrinsically linked to the country’s aspirations for energy security, economic resilience, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable development. The rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, advancements in clean technologies, and increasing commitment towards decarbonization demonstrate that the transition is already underway. However, the scale and pace of transformation required to achieve the Net Zero 2070 vision demand a far more coordinated and collaborative approach.
The government will continue to play a pivotal role by creating an enabling policy environment, strengthening grid infrastructure, supporting clean-energy investments, and fostering innovation in emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and energy storage. Simultaneously, businesses must move beyond sustainability commitments and embed decarbonization into their core strategies through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, responsible supply-chain management, and science-based emissions reduction targets.
Renewable energy developers and clean-energy producers will be instrumental in scaling next-generation solutions and ensuring that India’s growing energy needs are met sustainably. Equally important is the role of consultants and sustainability advisors, who act as catalysts in this journey by helping organizations measure their environmental impact, navigate evolving regulations, develop credible Net Zero roadmaps, strengthen ESG performance, and implement practical decarbonization strategies. Their ability to bridge the gap between ambition and execution makes them an essential partner in driving meaningful and measurable progress.
Ultimately, the success of India’s green growth story will depend on the collective efforts of policymakers, industries, investors, renewable energy producers, consultants, and citizens alike. Sustainability can no longer be viewed as the responsibility of a select few; it must become a shared national objective. If ambition is matched with decisive action, innovation, and long-term commitment, India has the opportunity not only to emerge as a global renewable energy leader but also to demonstrate how economic growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility can advance together, creating a resilient and prosperous future for generations to come with sustainable development.
About the Author
Dr. Mahesh Dalvi, Director – Operations Consulting ESG & Sustainability Services, RSM India.
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