India’s Renewable Energy Policies vs Global: How India is Outpacing the World in Clean Energy Transition

India’s Renewable Energy Policies are driving the world’s fastest clean energy transition. A global comparison of India’s bold goals and progress by 2030.

New Delhi | October 14, 2025 | The Interview Times — India’s Renewable Energy Policies have emerged as one of the most ambitious frameworks in the world, positioning the country as a frontrunner in the global clean energy transition. While the rest of the world experiences uneven progress due to policy rollbacks, inflation, and economic slowdowns, India’s renewable roadmap continues to expand at record speed.

India’s Renewable Energy Policies: Bold Goals, Rapid Progress

As of mid-2025, India’s renewable energy policies have delivered a total non-fossil energy capacity of 242.78 GW, surpassing the halfway mark toward the nation’s ambitious 500 GW renewable target by 2030. Solar and wind power dominate this transformation — accounting for nearly half of all new power additions in 2025.

Flagship initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM have revolutionized rooftop and rural solar adoption, while 100% FDI policies and domestic manufacturing incentives have strengthened India’s green industrial base.

The result? Renewable output in India surged 24.4% in the first half of 2025, the fastest growth since 2022. The government plans to auction 50 GW of renewable capacity annually through 2028, combining solar, wind, and hybrid projects. Backed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India’s renewable energy policies have propelled the country into the top five globally in installed capacity, ranking third in solar and fourth in wind power.

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Global Renewable Energy Trends: Uneven Yet Historic Progress

Globally, renewable energy generation achieved a landmark in 2025 — for the first time ever, solar and wind power overtook coal in total electricity output. Renewables now generate 34.3% of global electricity, with coal and gas trailing at 33.1% and 23%, respectively.

Yet, momentum is slowing in several advanced economies. In the United States, policy uncertainty and reduced tax incentives have weakened expansion efforts. According to McKinsey’s Global Energy Perspective 2025, decarbonization progress is uneven, with many countries grappling with rising costs, grid instability, and geopolitical risks.

Even so, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects total renewable capacity to touch 4,600 GW globally by 2030 — but only if governments sustain consistent policy support and global collaboration.

India’s Renewable Energy Policies vs Global Strategies: A Comparative Snapshot

India’s Global Leadership: A “Bright Spot” in Energy Transition

While developed economies face stagnation, India’s renewable energy policies continue to impress the world. Through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, over 120 nations now collaborate on solar energy initiatives. Since 2017, India has attracted $62 billion in renewable investments, making it a pivotal player in both economic growth and climate action.

However, challenges remain. Despite rapid capacity expansion, coal still produces over 70% of India’s electricity. Experts stress the need for grid modernization, battery storage expansion, and financing reforms to meet 2030 and 2070 targets.

India’s renewable model — which aligns sustainability with industrial growth — is now being seen as a template for emerging economies balancing climate goals with economic realities.

Comparing India’s Renewable Energy Policies with the US and EU

India: Fastest-Growing Renewable Power Market

• Target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030; Net-zero by 2070.
• Achieved: 242.6 GW in 2025 — halfway to target.
• Policies: Massive domestic manufacturing, solar/wind auctions, energy storage push.

United States: Ambitious Yet Uncertain

• Target: 400 GW new renewables by 2030; Net-zero by 2050.
• Status: 26% of power from renewables in 2025; forecasts revised down 40% due to policy reversals.
• Key Driver: Inflation Reduction Act.

European Union: Binding Targets and Rapid Expansion

• Target: 42.5% renewables in energy mix by 2030 (aiming for 45%).
• Status: ~50% renewables in power sector by 2025.
• Policies: REPowerEU plan, green hydrogen promotion, grid reforms.

India’s Renewable Energy Policies vs China and the US: Race to 2030

China currently leads in total renewable capacity, but India’s renewable energy policies are unmatched in terms of speed and policy depth for a developing economy. The U.S., though technologically advanced, faces slower implementation due to political and fiscal roadblocks.

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Outlook: India’s Renewable Energy Policies Set the Global Benchmark

By 2030, India’s renewable energy policies could define the new standard for sustainable development. The country’s aggressive 500 GW target, massive solar and wind deployment, and robust public-private participation model make it a blueprint for emerging economies worldwide.

If current momentum continues, India will not just meet — but likely reshape global energy transition narratives, proving that policy consistency, industrial innovation, and public support can turn developing nations into clean energy superpowers.