Renewable energy expansion, battery storage push key to green transition: Pralhad Joshi

New Delhi: Renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi said India's drive in battery storage systems, along with rapid expansion of wind and solar power would play a key role in pushing the country's clean energy transition.

Addressing the Adani Presents Times Network Sustainability Conclave 2026, Joshi said the push towards battery storage, coupled with a strong focus on wind and solar energy, would bring down electricity costs.

"India was the second-largest in terms of battery [energy storage] addition last year. We are investing heavily in battery storage systems, with a strong focus on wind, solar and storage. Results will be seen soon, and it will lead to bringing down the cost of electricity," Joshi said.


Highlighting India's push towards next-generation technologies, he added that the country's first hydrogen-powered train has placed India among a select group of nations investing in clean transportation.

The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financial experts and climate advocates to discuss India's roadmap for sustainable development, climate resilience and energy security.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav while addressing the gathering said India will continue to play a global leadership role in the green economy and climate action, and pointed to the success of Mission LiFE and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. He also highlighted the state's sustainability initiatives, including afforestation and water conservation.

Industry leaders underscored clean energy as a strategic economic opportunity. ReNew founder Sumant Sinha said, "If there are two things that are going to impact the future of any economy, one is artificial intelligence, the second is energy.. The thing that we can rely upon the most is clean energy because we can make that within our borders. It can become a critical part driving the future of the country."

The deliberations touched on financing India's green ambitions.

Ministry of Finance Joint Secretary Baldeo Purushartha said flagship programmes such as the Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, support for battery storage and production-linked incentives for advanced battery manufacturing have significantly accelerated the country's renewable energy transition.

Industry leaders, meanwhile, outlined how businesses were preparing for a low-carbon future. Tata Power's Vaibhav Singh, Blue Star India's Vikas Bakshi and Charge Zone founder-CEO Kartikey Hariyani discussed the growing importance of clean technologies, electric mobility, sustainable cooling solutions and domestic manufacturing in strengthening India's industrial competitiveness while reducing emissions.

Offering a broader climate perspective, Centre for Science and Environment Director General Sunita Narain said that "there is one extreme weather event a day happening across India," arguing that climate action must go beyond emission reduction to include resilient cities, stronger local environmental governance and sustainable development.

Looking ahead, International Solar Alliance Director General Ashish Khanna said rooftop solar adoption is expected to more than double over the next five years as India expands its clean energy footprint.