In Short : A key factor in India’s clean energy ambitions is securing a sustainable supply of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel, essential for solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage. India faces domestic shortages and import reliance, prompting efforts to develop resilient supply chains through domestic mining, recycling, R&D, and international partnerships to achieve 500 GW renewable targets by 2030.
In Detail : A critical factor in India’s clean energy ambitions is the secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel are essential for manufacturing renewable energy technologies including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. Ensuring a steady supply is vital to meet growing energy demands.
India currently relies heavily on imports for these critical minerals. This dependency exposes the country to global supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical risks. Any disruption could affect the cost-effectiveness and stability of India’s renewable energy projects, slowing progress toward its clean energy targets.
To address these challenges, India is focusing on developing resilient supply chains for critical minerals. Initiatives include exploring domestic mining opportunities, promoting recycling of minerals, and encouraging the use of recycled materials in production, thereby reducing reliance on imports while supporting sustainability.
Strategic international partnerships are also being pursued to diversify mineral sources. Collaborations with global mining and technology leaders aim to secure long-term access to essential materials. The government is incentivizing private and foreign investment in mining and processing sectors to strengthen domestic production capabilities.
India’s renewable energy goals underline the importance of critical minerals. The country aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030, with solar and wind energy as key contributors. Projects like the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan exemplify India’s ambitious push toward large-scale renewable infrastructure.
Electric mobility is another area reliant on critical minerals. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence. However, EV battery production is heavily dependent on lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making their supply crucial for India’s clean mobility transition.
Investments in research and development are being made to enhance technology efficiency and reduce material intensity. Innovations in battery storage, energy efficiency, and alternative materials help decrease the reliance on scarce minerals, making renewable energy systems more cost-effective and sustainable over the long term.
Securing critical minerals also supports India’s strategic energy independence. By building resilient supply chains and reducing import dependency, India can mitigate geopolitical risks, stabilize renewable energy costs, and ensure uninterrupted progress in achieving its clean energy and climate commitments.
