India seeks to triple clean energy capacity to 900 gigawatts by 2035, but major hurdles remain

BENGALURU, India (AP) — India has set a goal to generate enough clean energy to power over 1 billion homes by 2035, aiming to triple its clean energy capacity to 900 gigawatts. This goal, announced in late September, is nearly double India's current target of 500 gigawatts of clean power by 2030. The United Nations climate talks are underway, with India's goal aligning with the push for a global transition to cleaner energy sources.

However, India faces significant challenges in achieving this ambitious goal. The country's power grid is not equipped to handle the influx of solar and wind energy, which is intermittent and varies with weather conditions. India currently has a clean energy capacity of just over 300 gigawatts, ranking third behind China and the United States.

To overcome these hurdles, the government has approved nearly $20 billion in funding for transmission infrastructure and battery storage under the Green Energy Corridor plan. This investment aims to improve the grid's capacity and storage capabilities, enabling India to fully utilize its growing clean energy production.

Experts believe that meeting this target could lead to lower electricity costs, reduced coal construction, and an accelerated transition to clean energy. India's shift towards clean energy is seen as a reflection of a global trend, with countries like Brazil and the United States also investing heavily in renewable energy sources.

Despite the progress, India's continued dependence on coal remains a significant challenge. Coal generated about 71% of the country's electricity in 2025, according to energy think tank Ember. Coal-fired power plants are expensive to build and operate, and they contribute to India's high carbon emissions. As India aims to expand its clean energy capacity, it must also address the need for additional coal-fired generation to maintain a reliable power supply.