On September 16, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This three-day event is a testament to India’s significant strides in the renewable energy sector, celebrating the nation’s achievement of surpassing 200 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. The expo showcases innovations from various sectors, including contributions from public and private companies, startups, and major industry players.
India’s Unique Approach to Renewable Energy
During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s diverse and vast capabilities in renewable energy. He highlighted that India’s approach to clean energy solutions is not only tailored to meet domestic needs but also holds the potential for global applications. He also noted India’s recent role in hosting global events such as the Global Fintech Fest and the First International Solar Festival, underlining the country’s increasing influence in the green energy sector.
Leading by Example in Climate Commitments
India stands as the first G20 nation to meet its climate commitments set during the Paris Agreement, achieving these goals a full nine years ahead of the deadline. Prime Minister Modi outlined the ambitious target of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, turning the country’s transition to green energy into a nationwide movement. A key initiative in this transition is the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, which facilitates rooftop solar installations for households. This program not only enables each household to become a power producer but also contributes significantly to employment generation and environmental protection. Over 1.3 crore families have registered for the scheme, and installation work has been completed in 3.25 lakh homes.
Empowering the Workforce and Reducing Emissions
The Prime Minister announced plans to train 3 lakh youth as skilled manpower for the renewable energy sector, with 1 lakh of them becoming Solar PV Technicians. This initiative aims to generate around 20 lakh jobs and make a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions. For every 3 kilowatts of solar electricity generated, it is estimated that 50-60 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be prevented, marking a collective effort in combating climate change.
India’s Leadership in the Renewable Sector
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Prahlad Joshi, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing India’s leading role in the global renewable energy sector under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He invited stakeholders to invest in India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy market and highlighted the contributions of various states in reaching the milestone of over 200 GW of non-fossil power capacity.
Participation from States and International Partners
The event witnessed participation from several key Indian states including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. International partners like Germany, Australia, Denmark, and Norway also took part in the event. The expo included a two-and-a-half-day conference featuring discussions on innovative financing, green hydrogen, and future energy solutions, with specialized sessions such as the Chief Ministerial Plenary and CEO Roundtable.
Showcasing Innovations for a Sustainable Future
The RE-INVEST expo is an excellent platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the renewable energy sector. It features advancements from both public and private sector companies, emphasizing India’s commitment to a sustainable future. The exhibition underscores the country’s dedication to fostering growth in renewable energy and highlights its journey toward a greener economy.
Through initiatives like RE-INVEST and schemes such as PM Surya Ghar, India continues to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to renewable energy, setting an example for the world in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.