India's Green Dream: Execution, Not Just Ambition, Will Power Our Renewable Future

India stands on the precipice of a monumental energy transformation, targeting an astounding 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity by 2030. While the ambition is undeniably bold, the path to achieving this green dream is paved with a formidable challenge: flawless execution.

This critical consensus emerged from the insightful discussions at the recent Mint Sustainability Summit 2025, where industry leaders emphasized that turning aspirational targets into ground-level reality will define India’s journey as a global renewable energy powerhouse.

The summit brought together luminaries from the renewable energy sector, who unanimously pointed out that India has successfully demonstrated its capacity for setting aggressive goals.

The next frontier, however, lies in the meticulous implementation of projects, addressing a multi-faceted array of hurdles that currently slow down the pace of development. The urgency is palpable, not just for meeting domestic energy demands, but also for cementing India's role in the global fight against climate change.

One of the most persistent roadblocks identified was land acquisition.

Gautam Mohanka, Managing Director of Mohanka Solar, succinctly captured this sentiment, stating that while India's targets are ambitious, the real game-changer will be how effectively these projects are executed on the ground. "Land acquisition remains a critical and complex challenge," he noted, underscoring the need for more transparent, streamlined, and efficient processes to ensure projects aren't bogged down in lengthy delays.

Closely linked to land is the equally vital aspect of transmission infrastructure.

As renewable energy projects, particularly large-scale solar and wind farms, are often located in remote, resource-rich areas, connecting them to the national grid presents significant challenges. Industry experts highlighted the urgent need for a robust, smart, and integrated transmission network that can handle the intermittent nature of renewables and transport power efficiently across vast distances without bottlenecks.

Financing also took center stage as a crucial enabler.

Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power, underscored the sheer volume of capital required to fund India's green transition. "Achieving 500 GW will necessitate massive investments," he explained, calling for policy continuity and innovative financial instruments to attract both domestic and international capital.

Reducing the perceived risk for investors and fostering an environment conducive to green financing are paramount.

Beyond these immediate challenges, speakers also delved into the broader ecosystem. Ashish Khanna, CEO of Tata Power Renewable Energy, advocated for integrated planning and a holistic approach to overcome execution hurdles.

He stressed that a siloed strategy would not suffice, and a coordinated effort across government bodies, developers, and local communities is essential for smooth project deployment.

The 'Make in India' initiative resonated strongly within the discussions on domestic manufacturing. Inderpreet Wadhwa, Chairman and CEO of Azure Power, emphasized the importance of localizing the production of solar modules, wind turbine components, and energy storage solutions.

He argued that robust domestic manufacturing capabilities would not only reduce reliance on imports but also create jobs and foster technological innovation, contributing to energy security and economic growth.

Gagan Pal, Director of the India Solar Energy Forum, reinforced the idea of a collaborative ecosystem.

He highlighted that success would hinge on effective partnerships, clear regulatory frameworks, and a shared vision among all stakeholders. Policy stability, ensuring long-term certainty for investors and developers, was also a recurring theme, crucial for fostering confidence and encouraging sustained investment in the sector.

Despite these significant challenges, the overall sentiment remained one of unwavering optimism.

India's renewable energy sector is brimming with potential, driven by strong political will, a growing domestic market, and increasing global interest. The Mint Sustainability Summit served as a powerful reminder that while setting audacious targets captures headlines, it is the meticulous, determined, and collaborative execution on the ground that will truly illuminate India’s path to a sustainable and energy-independent future.