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India Becomes World’s 2nd-Largest Solar Market, Green Energy Momentum Accelerates

India has become the world’s second-largest solar market, adding nearly 50 gigawatts of new capacity in 2025. Experts at the Resilient Futures Summit 2026 credited flagship schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar for strengthening the renewable energy ecosystem. The International Solar Alliance highlighted India’s role in sharing successful models with Africa and integrating AI into the energy sector. Europe views India as a key strategic partner, with a potential free trade agreement expected to unlock new trade and investment opportunities.

Key Points: India 2nd-Largest Solar Market: Green Energy Momentum Soars

  • India becomes world’s 2nd-largest solar market
  • Added nearly 50 GW of new solar capacity in 2025
  • PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar schemes driving renewable energy ecosystem
  • AI and digitalisation integration boosting energy efficiency
2 min read

India emerges as world's 2nd-largest solar market, green energy momentum accelerates: Experts

India emerges as world’s 2nd-largest solar market, adding 50 GW in 2025. Experts credit PM-KUSUM, Surya Ghar schemes, and AI integration for driving green energy momentum.

"India is increasingly sharing its successful models with other regions, particularly Africa, while also focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and digitalisation into the energy sector. - Ashish Khanna"

New Delhi, April 29

India's rapid progress in clean energy has positioned it as the world's second-largest solar market -- underscoring the country's growing leadership in the global green transition, experts said on Wednesday.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the 'Resilient Futures Summit 2026' in the national capital, Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said India added nearly 50 gigawatts of new solar capacity in 2025, driving its rise in global rankings.

"Flagship initiatives such as the PM-KUSUM scheme -- considered the world's largest agricultural solarisation programme -- and the PM Surya Ghar scheme are progressing rapidly, strengthening the country's renewable energy ecosystem," he said.

"India is increasingly sharing its successful models with other regions, particularly Africa, while also focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and digitalisation into the energy sector to enhance efficiency and scalability," Khanna told IANS.

He further credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his long-term vision, recalling that the ambitious targets set in 2015 -- 1,000 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and $1 trillion in investments -- have begun to take shape globally.

"The formation of the International Solar Alliance came at the right time, helping drive international collaboration in solar energy," he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Steidl of the European Investment Bank described India as the fastest-growing major economy, noting that the country is steadily progressing towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He added that Europe views India as a key strategic partner, with a potential free trade agreement expected to unlock new opportunities in trade and investment.

Europe's technological strengths combined with India's manufacturing capabilities could form the foundation of a strong partnership, he said.

Adding to the discussion, Sandeep Pandya, CEO of TDK SensEI, said the summit reflects how emerging technologies like AI and data centres are reshaping the energy landscape. He pointed out that collaboration between the government and corporate sector in India is driving sustainable energy adoption at scale.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sneha F
The PM-KUSUM scheme is transforming lives in rural areas. My village in Rajasthan just installed solar pumps for irrigation - electricity bills have dropped drastically! But the real challenge is maintenance. Govt needs to train local technicians for solar equipment repair. Still, this is what Atmanirbhar Bharat looks like. 🇮🇳
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James A
Impressive numbers but let's be realistic - India still relies heavily on coal for baseload power. These 50 GW additions are great, but we need to see if they actually replace fossil fuels or just add to total capacity. The real test will be during peak demand in summer months when solar generation dips post-sunset.
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Kavya N
I work in renewable energy sector and can confirm - India's solar story is genuine. Our rooftop solar installations have doubled in Bangalore corporate parks. The AI integration mentioned is exciting too - we're using machine learning to predict solar output based on weather patterns. But yes, we need more domestic manufacturing of solar panels, not just imports from China. Make in India needs to accelerate! 💪
M
Michael C
As someone working in European development finance, I can validate Europe's interest in India's green transition. The EU-India FTA could be a game-changer, especially for technology transfer. But there are concerns about data localization clauses and IP protection that need addressing. Hope both sides work it out constructively.
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Priya S
What about the environmental cost of large solar farms? They displace local communities and wildlife. I've read about conflicts in Kutch, Gujarat where solar parks are being built on traditional grazing lands. We need decentralized solar solutions rather than just mega-projects. Small-scale rooftop solar in every home

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