Renewable energy has become a central component of India’s strategy for sustainable development, energy security, and climate change mitigation. Over the past two decades, India has implemented a range of policy initiatives to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro. This paper examines the progress, challenges, and future directions of renewable energy policies in India, with a focus on their effectiveness in transforming the country’s energy landscape.
The study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach based on secondary data collected from academic research papers, books, and policy analyses. It evaluates major policy frameworks, including national missions and regulatory measures, and assesses their impact on renewable energy capacity expansion and market development. The findings indicate that India has made significant progress in increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind power, supported by policy instruments such as subsidies, feed-in tariffs, and competitive bidding mechanisms.
Despite these achievements, several challenges persist. Issues related to grid infrastructure, financial constraints, land acquisition, and policy implementation continue to hinder the full realization of renewable energy potential. In addition, regulatory uncertainties and institutional inefficiencies pose barriers to sustained growth in the sector.
The paper concludes that while India’s renewable energy policies have been instrumental in driving progress, there is a need for more integrated and forward-looking strategies. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving policy consistency, and encouraging private sector participation will be essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. Overall, the study highlights that a balanced and adaptive policy approach is crucial for ensuring a successful energy transition in India.