NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 5: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday called for making India’s clean energy transition a people’s movement, saying active participation of citizens, farmers, students, entrepreneurs and communities was essential to accelerate renewable energy adoption and translate it into economic opportunities and household prosperity.
Addressing the valedictory session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, the Vice-President said the transition to clean energy could not be driven by the government alone and required collective participation to make its benefits reach every household and community.
Highlighting the growing public participation in renewable energy initiatives, he said more than 65 lakh households had joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, while nearly 30 lakh farmers had benefited under PM-KUSUM.
He said solar pumps were helping farmers save on diesel expenditure, earn additional income and become producers of energy alongside food. Describing them as “Urjadatas”, he said renewable energy was opening new avenues for rural prosperity and livelihood generation.
Calling for stronger public involvement, Radhakrishnan said the clean energy transition, envisioned as a Jan Andolan, would accelerate renewable energy adoption, create employment opportunities and promote household prosperity.
He said India’s achievements in renewable energy had demonstrated that environmental commitments were not a hindrance to economic growth but a catalyst for development.
Highlighting the country’s progress, he said India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity had crossed 300 gigawatts, while 50 per cent of its total installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment.
He said solar power capacity had grown from less than 3 GW to over 170 GW in a decade. Solar power, which was once several times more expensive than coal-based electricity, had now become one of the cheapest sources of electricity in the country.
The Vice-President also highlighted initiatives under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which are extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity may not be feasible.
He said access to electricity transformed lives by expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and livelihoods, adding that energy solutions must address the distinct needs of cities, villages and remote habitations.
Emphasising the importance of research and innovation, Radhakrishnan called for stronger collaboration between industry and academic institutions. “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” he said.
He expressed confidence that advancements in science and technology would make hydrogen energy increasingly affordable and said India’s renewable energy transformation could serve as a model for the Global South.
Referring to future energy requirements, he said India’s electricity demand could rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, making it necessary to meet growing requirements through clean, reliable and affordable power while protecting the environment.
He reiterated India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Invoking Mission LiFE, the Vice-President called for energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption and responsible disposal, observing that a billion small individual actions could contribute significantly to sustainability.
Urging participants to translate the summit’s deliberations into action, he said discussions must be converted into projects and projects into power.
On the occasion, Radhakrishnan presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to the best-performing States, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, Minister of State pad Yesso Naik, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay Kumar Sood and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, were present at the event.
