11 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. India Posts Massive 4,000% Surge in Solar Capacity

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), July, 11, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 — Renewable Energy & Infrastructure; Climate Change and Related Policy; Energy Security

Context

This press release was issued on 10 July 2025 during the 11ᵗʰ India Energy Storage Week (IESW 2025) in New Delhi. Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s remarkable renewable energy growth, focusing on solar expansion and policy initiatives for energy self-reliance

Content

Overview 

• 4,000% growth in installed solar capacity, contributing to total renewable energy capacity of 227 GW.

• India is likely the first G20 nation to fulfil its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Significant Milestones & Initiatives

• India’s photovoltaic (PV) module production has increased 38‑fold in the last decade; PV cell production has seen a 21‑fold rise.

• The PM Surya Ghar Yojana targets rooftop solar installation in 1 crore (10 million) households, reducing bills and promoting self‑reliance.

• Agriculture-focused programmes like PM‑KUSUM further disseminate solar adoption among farmers.

Four‑Pronged Strategy for Energy Independence

1. Targeted Innovation: Focus on next‑gen battery chemistries (solid‑state, hybrid), circular supply chains, and deep R&D.

2. Infrastructure Development: Expand EV charging, battery swapping networks, and energy storage systems.

3. Supply Chain Resilience: Diversify raw‑material, component and manufacturing bases to avoid dependence.

4. Full Value‑Chain Ecosystem: Build a domestic ecosystem including raw materials, ACC cells, battery packs, recycling, and supporting services.

₹1 Lakh Crore Innovation Fund

• Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1 lakh crore (INR 100,000 crore) Research, Development & Innovation Fund to boost next‑generation battery technologies, aiming to compete with R&D levels in advanced economies (₹6–7 lakh crore), while leveraging India’s cost advantage.

Model Case Study

• Palli village in Jammu & Kashmir has become India’s first carbon‑neutral panchayat, using solar generation and energy‑efficient infrastructure.

• IESW 2025 venue, Yashobhoomi, exemplifies sustainability with rooftop solar, wastewater treatment, and energy‑efficient design.

Analysis for UPSC Aspirants

• Illustrates India’s shift from fossil fuels to renewables as part of energy transition, and implications for climate goals.

• Demonstrates strategic uses of mission‑mode planning, PLI schemes, and financial instruments in scaling renewable capacity.

• Highlights the importance of decentralised solar, green hydrogen, battery innovation, and South‑South cooperation in supply chain resilience.

• The Innovation Fund underscores India’s intent to become a global innovation hub in clean energy technology.

Conclusion

India’s solar growth—4000% increase—and structural programmes like PM Surya Ghar and PM‑KUSUM reflect a scalable model for decarbonisation. The ₹1 lakh crore battery innovation fund is a key step toward indigenising high-tech clean energy supply chains. To sustain momentum, India must ensure:

• Efficient implementation of R&D outcomes,

• Strengthening manufacturing and recycling ecosystems,

• Scaling decentralized adoption in rural/agricultural sectors, and

• Enhancing global partnerships for raw-material security and technology transfer.

Practice Question: “Critically examine the role of mission-driven initiatives and innovation funding in India’s pursuit of energy self-reliance and climate targets. In what ways do such measures contribute to meeting Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement? Illustrate with relevant examples.”

Check this out 10 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC