While addressing the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort, highlighted the role India is playing in the fight against climate change. As India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, the role of the country in fighting climate change too was talked about.

“We have put forth the concept of ‘One World, One Family, One Future’ for the G20 Summit and are working in that direction. As the world grapples with climate crises, we have shown the way and launched the Lifestyle for Environment – Mission LiFE initiative,” said PM Modi in his Independence Day speech.

PM Modi stressed the important role India is playing when it comes to climate change. He said “The entire world is grappling with climate change. India has shown the way to combat it.”

In his speech, PM Narendra Modi spoke about the work the country has done in order to harness the power of renewable energy. “India achieved, in 2020-21, the renewable energy target it had set for 2030. We also achieved the target of 20 percent ethanol blending five years ahead of schedule,” said Prime Minister Modi.

When it comes to solar power, India is leading the way with the concept of ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’. The PM labelled it as ‘a big statement’ in the renewable energy sector, and also added how the world is taking note of it. The Prime Minister said the country has formed the International Solar Alliance in collaboration with the world and many countries are now part of the International Solar Alliance. “We have emphasised the importance of biodiversity and advanced the establishment of the ‘Big Cat Alliance’.”

As per the Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity and 4th in Solar Power capacity. India has set an enhanced target at the COP26 of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.

India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. This will be supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. Striving towards this goal, as many as 57 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 39.28 GW have been approved by the government so far.