India Must Pivot Renewable Strategy from Capacity Addition to Grid and Manufacturing, Says MNRE Secretary – EQ
In Short : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of MNRE, emphasized that India’s renewable energy focus must evolve from mere capacity addition to strengthening grid infrastructure and domestic manufacturing. He highlighted that integrating renewables efficiently, scaling battery storage, and boosting local manufacturing are critical to sustaining growth, ensuring energy security, and supporting India’s long-term clean energy and decarbonization goals.
In Detail : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), stressed that India’s renewable energy strategy needs a fundamental shift. While capacity additions have been impressive, the focus must now move toward strengthening grid infrastructure, integrating distributed energy resources, and building a resilient renewable energy ecosystem that can sustain long-term growth.
Sarangi highlighted that India’s record renewable installations have brought the country to the forefront globally, but challenges remain in grid management, intermittency, and storage. To maintain momentum, India must invest in smart grids, flexible transmission networks, and digital solutions that allow renewable energy to be efficiently integrated without compromising reliability.
Another key area Sarangi emphasized is domestic manufacturing. India’s renewable transition cannot rely solely on imports of solar modules, wind turbines, and batteries. Developing local manufacturing capabilities is essential for energy security, reducing costs, creating jobs, and establishing a self-reliant ecosystem for critical clean energy technologies.
The MNRE Secretary also pointed out the importance of energy storage and hybrid solutions. Battery systems, pumped hydro, and other storage technologies are vital to manage variability, provide grid stability, and ensure that high shares of renewable energy can be delivered consistently to consumers and industries.
Sarangi stressed that policy and regulatory frameworks need to evolve in tandem with technological development. Efficient grid integration, market mechanisms for storage and flexibility, and incentives for domestic manufacturing are essential to ensure that India’s renewable push translates into reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy systems.
He also highlighted that the transition from capacity addition to infrastructure focus would create multiple economic benefits. Strengthening grid networks and expanding manufacturing can generate jobs, attract investment, and foster technological innovation, positioning India as a global hub for clean energy solutions.
Sarangi emphasized that decentralized energy, such as rooftop solar, community microgrids, and P2P trading, must be integrated into national planning. This requires modern grid architecture and digital monitoring to enable two-way power flows while maintaining stability across regions with varying generation and consumption patterns.
The Secretary called for a collaborative approach involving industry, academia, financial institutions, and government bodies to accelerate the transition. Investments in R&D, skill development, and advanced manufacturing capabilities are crucial for building a robust and resilient renewable ecosystem capable of meeting India’s ambitious climate and energy targets.
Overall, Sarangi’s message underscores that India’s renewable energy journey must now evolve from quantitative growth to qualitative development. By focusing on grid modernization, energy storage, and domestic manufacturing, the country can achieve a sustainable, secure, and self-reliant energy future while strengthening its leadership in the global clean energy transition.
