This initiative aims to reduce import dependence, generate employment, attract investments and strengthen India’s position as a global clean energy leader. He made this announcement during the recent state review meeting on Renewable Energy organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
PLI scheme a success
The Minister highlighted the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, with Rs 24,000 crore allocated. Under this scheme, India has developed 100 GW of module manufacturing capacity, attracted over Rs 50,000 crore in investments and created more than 12,600 direct jobs. He reiterated that India’s clean energy transition depends on collective efforts by the centre, state governments, industry and citizens.
Over 250 GW of non-fossil capacity
Highlighting the country’s rapid progress, minister Joshi stated that India has already crossed 251.5 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, surpassing the halfway mark towards its 2030 target of 500 GW. He also emphasised that India now sources over 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving this milestone five years ahead of schedule.
Giving an update on key government schemes, the minister said that nearly 20 lakh households have already benefitted under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides free electricity through rooftop solar installations. He called on states and DISCOMs to ensure quality implementation, avoid delays in agreement finalisation and offer optimal tariff credits to consumers.
On the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar-powered agricultural pumps, Joshi noted a significant increase in demand from states and confirmed that a second phase of the scheme will be launched after March 2026. Joshi underscored that nearly half of the beneficiaries under PM Surya Ghar are now receiving zero electricity bills, making the model both citizen-friendly and financially sustainable.
Union minister of state Shripad Naik described PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar as central to the government’s mission of ensuring energy security, sustainability and citizen empowerment. He reported that over 16 lakh out of 49 lakh allocated solar pumps have already been installed or solarised under PM-KUSUM, leading to 1.3 billion litres of diesel savings, 40 million tonnes of CO2 emission reductions and substantial foreign exchange savings. He added that installations under PM Surya Ghar are happening at a pace of 4,500 systems per day, supported by 18,000+ vendors across the country.
While acknowledging progress, the meeting stressed the importance of timely execution. Joshi urged states to expedite renewable purchase obligations, power purchase agreements, and land allotments, cautioning against delays based on expectations of further tariff reductions. To improve the ease of doing business, he called for single-window clearances, reduced compliance burdens and proactive resolution of right of way and law-and-order issues affecting renewable energy developers.
Joshi also appealed to wind-rich states to outline time-bound roadmaps for site allocation and transmission infrastructure development. The recent GST cut on renewable energy devices and services to 5 per cent was welcomed as a move that will make solar, wind, biogas and waste-to-energy technologies more affordable.