India's Energy Transition and Policy Framework

Energy Transformation in India: Key Highlights

Constitutional and Policy Framework:

• Constitutional Mandates: India's energy policy aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) promoting sustainable development and energy access.
• National Goals: Target of energy self-reliance by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 as part of the long-term vision.

Recent Developments:

• INSA Policy Brief (May 2026): "A Unified National Energy Policy Framework for India: Adequacy, Access, Affordability, and Appropriate Sustainability".
• This framework emphasizes the need for integrated governance and planning in India's energy sector.

Energy Landscape:

• Almost 260 GW of renewable energy installed capacity as of mid-2025, up from 40 GW in 2015.
• India’s energy strategy includes diverse sources: coal, renewables, biomass, natural gas, and waste-to-energy systems.

Framework Pillars Proposed by INSA:

1. Adequacy: Ensure reliable energy supply through modern infrastructure, energy storage, and digital tech.
2. Access: Guarantee equitable energy services, advocating enhanced last-mile delivery and decentralized solutions.
3. Affordability: Promote economically viable solutions through innovative financing and consumer-focused safeguards.
4. Appropriate Sustainability: Align sustainability with socio-economic contexts; support local communities and workforce development.

Technological Enhancements:

• Emphasizes circular economy practices and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as key facilitators to reduce emissions.

Emerging Technologies:

• Focus on ramping up green hydrogen projects and supporting the infrastructure needed for advanced energy applications.

Long-term Strategy:

• Advocates a phased approach initiated with infrastructure strengthening and renewable energy deployment.
• Long-term goals are to enhance integration of low-carbon technologies and establish a more resilient energy ecosystem.

International Context:

• India recognized as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets globally, indicating robust progress in international renewable energy commitments.

Future Directions:

• Commitment to creating a cohesive, sustainable, and affordable energy system that supports India’s development aspirations and energy security.

This framework represents a strategic roadmap not just for energy capacity expansion but for developing a holistic energy system that meets future growth demands while ensuring sustainability and resilience.