Earth Day 2025, celebrated on 22 April, unites over a billion people worldwide under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” urging a tripling of global clean energy by 2030. In India, this call to action resonates deeply, as the nation accelerates its transition to renewable energy to balance rapid economic growth with environmental stewardship. With a target of 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070, India is emerging as a global leader in clean energy. The country’s vibrant renewable energy sector, driven by solar, wind, and innovative technologies, underscores its commitment to a sustainable future, making Earth Day a moment to reflect on progress and challenges ahead.
India’s renewable energy capacity has reached over an impressive 215.1 GW, with solar power leading at 105.65 GW, followed by wind at 50.04 GW and bioenergy at 11.58 GW. The nation added 29.5 GW of renewable capacity in the 2025 financial year alone, propelled by government policies and private-sector investment. Solar energy, leveraging India’s 300 sunny days annually, has transformed rural communities by reducing reliance on firewood, improving health, and creating jobs. The government’s push for solar parks, targeting 40,000 megawatts, and ultra-mega projects exemplifies this momentum. Meanwhile, wind energy is expanding, supported by 900 monitoring stations and a robust manufacturing base, positioning India as the world’s fourth-largest wind energy producer.
The commercial and industrial sector is a cornerstone of India’s clean energy revolution, consuming nearly half of the nation’s electricity. Companies like CleanMax and Emmvee are driving decarbonisation through integrated renewable solutions and sustainable practices, such as zero liquid discharge and recycling 90% of processed water. Fossil fuel subsidies, slashed by 85% between 2014 and 2018, have been redirected to clean energy projects, including solar tenders of 50 GW annually until 2028 and investments in electric vehicle infrastructure and smart grids. The National Hydrogen Mission, aiming for 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, and advancements in carbon capture technologies further highlight India’s innovative approach to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel. These efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, weaving economic progress with environmental protection.
Despite these strides, challenges persist. Large-scale renewable projects, such as solar parks spanning 214 square kilometres, raise concerns about land use and local livelihoods. For instance, farmers in Bhadla, Rajasthan, have protested the loss of sacred common lands, while those in Pavagada, Karnataka, benefit from steady lease incomes. Agrivoltaics, combining solar panels with agriculture, offers a promising solution, allowing farmers to grow crops while generating energy. Additionally, the recycling of solar panels and wind turbines is critical, as millions of panels will reach the end of their 30-year lifespan in the coming decades. India aims to recycle 80% of solar panels by 2028–29 and source 50% of steel from recycling by 2047, ensuring a circular economy. Wind energy projects also face ecological concerns, such as impacts on bird ecosystems, necessitating careful planning and mitigation.Employment and skilling are pivotal to sustaining India’s clean energy ambitions. Renewable energy projects have created jobs, particularly in rural areas, but large-scale transitions risk sectoral employment shifts. Targeted training programmes for unskilled and poorer populations are essential to ensure inclusive growth.
Earth Day 2025 highlights initiatives like the Earth Day Network India Trust’s workshops for women Panchayat leaders, empowering them to make environmentally informed decisions on renewable energy, water, and waste management. These grassroots efforts, alongside corporate commitments from firms like Cairn Oil and Gas, which aims for net-zero by 2030, demonstrate the collective resolve driving India’s clean energy agenda.
The purpose of championing clean energy on Earth Day 2025 is to galvanise collective action. While the government has made strides through policies promoting renewables, the involvement of individuals, businesses, and communities is equally vital. Awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and grassroots initiatives can inspire citizens to adopt energy-efficient practices and support clean energy projects. Small actions, such as investing in solar water heaters or advocating for community-based renewable projects, can create a ripple effect, amplifying India’s commitment to a greener future. By embedding clean energy into the national consciousness, India can lead by example on the global stage.
India’s clean energy journey is a testament to its ability to innovate and adapt while addressing global climate imperatives. Earth Day 2025 serves as a reminder of the nation’s bold march towards sustainability, supported by policies, investments, and community action. However, achieving the 500 GW target by 2030 and net-zero by 2070 demands sustained collaboration between governments, industries, and citizens. By embracing renewable energy, promoting recycling, and ensuring equitable development, India is not only powering its future but also setting a global example. As the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” suggests, the power to shape a greener tomorrow lies in collective action, and India is rising to the challenge with unwavering determination.
