Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organised a panel discussion on “Energy Security through Renewable Energies” under the 10th edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Conversation Series here today.
The panel discussion featured Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), H.E. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan, Ms Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder and Chairperson of Sustainability, ReNew and Ms. Aparna Roy, Fellow and Lead, Climate Change and Energy, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) The discussion was moderated by Ms. Shreya Jai, Energy Lead, Climate Trends.
In his keynote address, Secretary, MNRE highlighted India’s remarkable Renewable Energy journey over the past decade, which has positioned the country as one of the global leaders. He attributed this progress to a robust and enabling policy ecosystem comprising Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)/ Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar, Wind, Wind-Solar Hybrid and Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Energy, permitting up to 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment under the automatic route, targeted measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing through initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM),etc.
He further noted that flagship programmes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM have brought states, households and farmers to the forefront of India’s renewable energy transition, while upcoming interventions such as Agri-PV and floating solar are expected to unlock new avenues for clean energy deployment.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, he noted its potential to reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, while creating new opportunities for industrial decarbonisation and energy security. Looking ahead, he emphasized that grid modernisation, accurate forecasting and scheduling, circular economy approaches for clean energy technologies, and enhanced mobilisation of climate finance will be critical for building a resilient, secure and future-ready renewable energy ecosystem.
Speaking during the panel discussion, Secretary, MNRE highlighted that the Government’s policy interventions have been carefully designed to make India’s renewable energy growth story increasingly market-driven. Secretary, MNRE further underscored the importance of initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, which are fostering indigenous manufacturing capacities, enhancing self-reliance, and supporting the development of a robust Renewable Energy ecosystem.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann highlighted that India and Germany share a vital, common aspiration to achieve energy security, particularly in light of today’s complex geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that true self-reliance can be unlocked through strong bilateral partnerships, noting that India’s massive scale and dynamic private sector offer immense opportunities to deepen relations. Furthermore, the Ambassador reflected on how India’s ongoing energy transition journey can provide valuable lessons and serve as a model of global best practices for other nations charting their own paths toward sustainability.
The discussion also explored the next growth frontiers for India’s renewable energy sector, the opportunities that lie ahead for the industry and the pathways to balance the imperatives of energy transition and energy security.
The event reaffirmed the significance of the India–Germany Green and Sustainable Development Partnership as a vital platform for deepening bilateral cooperation and fostering knowledge exchange in the Renewable Energy sector.
As India accelerates Renewable Energy deployment while ensuring reliable and affordable energy access the panel discussion brought together policymakers, international partners, industry leaders and think tanks to deliberate on the potential of Renewable Energy to strengthen energy security, enable a balanced and holistic energy transition, and power India’s long term economic growth and development aspirations.
