It is always a pleasure to be in Kerala, a place where the natural elements themselves seem to reflect the immense potential of renewable energy. The presence of the sun, the strength of the wind, and the openness to innovation create an inspiring backdrop for conversations on the future of energy.

We are at a defining moment in our collective journey today. The challenges of climate change, energy security, and sustainable growth are no longer distant concerns; they demand immediate, bold, and coordinated action. In this context, renewable energy and green hydrogen are not just emerging technologies; they are the gateway to a cleaner, more resilient future for generations to come.

India stands at a position of strength in this transition. Our target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 reflects both ambition and intent. Having already made significant progress, the road ahead now requires urgency and decisive action from all stakeholders to bridge the remaining gap. This is not a task for any one institution; it is a shared national responsibility.

Financing the Energy Transition

The transition to clean energy is not only a technological challenge but also a financial one. Strong and sustained investment across the power value chain will be essential to ensure that projects move from concept to completion.

Over the years, there has been a consistent effort to support this transformation by financing key segments such as generation, transmission, and distribution. Long-term partnerships with states have played a crucial role in strengthening infrastructure, enabling large-scale projects, and ensuring that investments translate into real, on-ground impact. Beyond the power sector, financing has also extended to critical infrastructure and development initiatives, reinforcing the idea that sustainable growth requires an integrated and holistic approach.

Strengthening Renewable Adoption

One of the most promising areas of progress has been the expansion of rooftop solar and decentralised energy solutions. Large-scale initiatives aimed at increasing household participation in renewable energy are transforming the way energy is generated and consumed.

The scale of adoption in certain regions demonstrates what is possible when policy support, institutional capacity, and public participation come together effectively. These efforts not only contribute to national targets but also empower citizens to become active participants in the energy transition.

The Promise of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen holds immense potential to reshape the energy landscape. It offers solutions for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, transforming transportation, and creating new industrial opportunities.

However, unlocking this potential will require more than technological readiness. It calls for strong collaboration, policy support, and the willingness to take difficult but necessary decisions. Building a hydrogen ecosystem will involve structural changes, long-term investments, and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.

While financing will remain a critical component, it is only one part of a much larger and more complex ecosystem that must evolve together. At the heart of this transition lies the need for collaboration. Governments, industry, financial institutions, researchers, and civil society must work together to address the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by clean energy.

Engagement, dialogue, and knowledge exchange are essential to ensure that solutions are both innovative and practical. Stakeholders must actively question, explore, and refine ideas to build a robust and future-ready energy framework. The journey ahead requires openness, curiosity, and a shared commitment to progress.

Also Read | Driving India’s Hydrogen Future Through Collaboration and Action

A Collective Commitment to the Future

As we look ahead, the path forward is clear. We must accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and green hydrogen, build resilient energy systems, and ensure that sustainability remains at the core of our development agenda. This transition is not just about meeting targets; it is about creating a legacy. A legacy of cleaner energy, stronger systems, and a more sustainable future for the generations that follow.

Insights shared by: Jitendra Srivastava, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, REC Ltd, at the 2nd Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit and Expo held on 13 March, in Kerala

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