In a powerful push towards energy independence, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s unprecedented clean energy strides, noting a 4,000% surge in installed solar capacity and a total renewable capacity of 227 GW.
Speaking at the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, Goyal said that India is likely the first G20 nation to have successfully achieved its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement.
He lauded the country’s massive progress in clean manufacturing over the past decade. “India’s solar photovoltaic module capacity has expanded nearly 38 times, and its photovoltaic cell capacity grew by 21 times,” Goyal shared.
Applauding the India Energy Alliance and other organisers, the Minister appreciated their efforts in uniting key stakeholders across clean energy, green hydrogen, storage technology, and e-mobility, making IESW a vibrant platform for knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Goyal stressed that India is firmly on the path to energy self-reliance, with plans to power its developmental ambitions via round-the-clock renewable sources. However, he warned that such a transformation hinges critically on the development and adoption of advanced storage solutions.
“Whether it’s battery storage, pumped hydro, geothermal or even nuclear, the backbone of India’s clean energy future will rest on reliable storage infrastructure,” he said. The Minister also emphasised the role of stakeholders in scaling efforts nationwide.
Outlining a four-pronged roadmap to bolster India’s energy independence, Goyal identified:
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Targeted innovation in emerging technologies
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Robust infrastructure development
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Resilient supply chains
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Integrated value chain growth
He mentioned that India must lead the world in next-generation battery chemistries, such as solid-state and hybrid storage systems, and invest heavily in circular supply chain models.
The Minister added, “We cannot depend on others for our energy future. We has to build our own capabilities — in labs, factories, and the grid itself.”
With clean energy now a central pillar of India’s growth strategy, the government is placing R&D at the heart of its energy policy. Goyal concluded by reaffirming that India’s energy transition is not just about targets but about building a future-ready, self-sustained ecosystem.
