India Charts Clearer Path to Net-Zero: Highlights from Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025

The Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025, held over two dynamic days at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, brought together over 350 industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and financiers determined to translate India’s ambitious clean energy targets into action. Themed “Where Policy Meets Ambition,” the summit explored sectoral challenges and breakthrough solutions across nine high-impact sessions, complemented by the first-ever renewables exhibition and the prestigious Mercom India Awards. Notably, the event was supported by the Renewable Energy Society of India (RESI) as a key supporting partner along with others, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating India’s transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Here are the key themes and their outcomes:

From Ambition to Action

Industry veterans and policymakers reaffirmed India’s resolve to meet its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030. Backed by updated data showing renewables now contribute 48.4% of installed capacity, speakers stressed faster permitting, grid upgrades, and state-level coordination as critical to move from policy intent to on-ground execution.

Outcome: Strong alignment between central policy vision and private sector readiness, with calls for streamlined project approvals.

Domestic Manufacturing & Supply Chain

A sharp focus on self-reliance in solar cells, modules, and storage systems dominated this discussion. Leaders highlighted how PLI schemes and export ambitions could double domestic manufacturing capacity by 2028, but warned about raw material dependency and price volatility.

Outcome: Industry consensus on scaling upstream components and diversifying sourcing, with innovation in modules and battery chemistries.

Hybrid Power & Grid Stability

As renewable share rises, grid operators and developers showcased live projects integrating solar, wind, and storage. These hybrid solutions, participants noted, help smooth intermittency and cut curtailment, while new policy frameworks make them commercially viable.

Outcome: Recognition that hybrids, supported by digital forecasting and storage, will anchor India’s next 100 GW renewables growth.

Technology & Innovation

From AI-driven forecasting to advanced robotics for O&M, the session spotlighted disruptive tools making renewables cheaper and smarter. Startups and large firms alike demonstrated how tech reduces downtime and boosts plant efficiency.

Outcome: Clear momentum toward digital twins, IoT, and predictive analytics as industry standard practices.

Energy Storage & Green Hydrogen

The gathering reaffirmed storage and green hydrogen as twin pillars of decarbonization beyond 2030. Presentations showed India’s storage pipeline growing to 45 GW by 2029, while electrolyzer costs could halve by 2030.

Outcome: Agreement on blended finance and pilot-scale hydrogen corridors to build early scale and confidence.

Manufacturing Ecosystem Expansion

Manufacturers discussed expanding capacity in modules, cells, inverters, and structural components. Beyond PLI, sector leaders urged easing land, power, and logistics bottlenecks.

Outcome: Need for integrated clusters to reduce costs and ensure end-to-end domestic capability.

C&I Sector & Green Growth

With commercial and industrial consumers now a driving force, experts highlighted green PPAs and rooftop solar as fastest-growing segments. Many firms shared plans to become net-zero by 2040, leveraging cheaper daytime solar and behind-the-meter storage.

Outcome: Expectation that C&I demand will add ~70 GW new capacity by 2030, the major driver will be the data center industry, along with steel and cement.

Project Scale-Up & Execution

Large developers and EPC players dissected execution risks—land acquisition delays, high finance costs, and logistics. Case studies showcased how digitized design, modular construction, and local supply chains speed up delivery.

Outcome: Shared best practices could shave months off project timelines.

Raising Capital

In this high-stakes finale, financiers predicted India could need $20–25 billion annually in new investments. Green bonds, IPOs, and concessional finance are vital, but stability in tariffs and regulations remains critical.

Outcome: Strong investor appetite, with call for clearer long-term policy signals.

Recognizing Excellence

The summit also hosted the Mercom India Awards, honoring trailblazers in innovation, execution, and sustainability. Alongside, the Cleantech Startup Pitch connected entrepreneurs with venture capital and strategic partners.

The Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025 stood out not only for scale and participation but for concrete, solution-oriented discussions. As India advances toward a net-zero future, these shared strategies—from hybrid power to domestic manufacturing—promise to translate policy ambition into real-world impact.

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