Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, inaugurated the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet (RE-INVEST 2024) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy journey. During the event, PM Modi emphasized India’s position as the world’s best bet in the 21st century, highlighting its aggressive push towards clean energy and sustainable development.
India’s Role in the 21st Century: A Global Energy Leader
At the inauguration, PM Modi boldly stated, “The world knows that India is the best bet in the 21st century.” This powerful statement encapsulates India’s vision to emerge as a dominant force in the renewable energy sector. The event, held at Mahatma Mandir, showcased the nation’s contributions from both the public and private sectors, state governments, and innovative start-ups. Modi’s declaration of India’s potential in the global energy market was underscored by personal anecdotes, including one from a conversation with former US President Barack Obama, where Modi expressed his commitment to future generations: “The only pressure I feel is from the next generation that is yet to be born.”
Gujarat’s Pioneering Role in Renewable Energy
PM Modi praised Gujarat’s early efforts in spearheading renewable energy initiatives, calling it the state that set a national precedent by introducing India’s first solar power policy. “Gujarat was already installing solar power plants when the rest of the country was still discussing solar energy,” he remarked. He further credited the state for establishing one of the earliest climate change departments in India, reflecting its forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability.
Net Zero: India’s Commitment, Not a Buzzword
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for a minimal carbon footprint lifestyle, PM Modi reiterated India’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable living. He quoted Gandhi, stating, “The resources are adequate to meet our need, but not our greed,” emphasizing that India’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is not just a modern-day trend but a necessity deeply embedded in the nation’s history and values.
The Prime Minister assured that India’s drive towards net zero is not just a goal for the central government but a nationwide commitment. “It is the responsibility of every state,” he added, signaling collective action across regions to achieve this monumental objective.
RE-INVEST 2024: An Event to Accelerate Global Clean Energy Investments
The RE-INVEST 2024 event focused on creating global partnerships and opportunities for business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G), and government-to-government (G2G) interactions. This year’s industry partner, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), played a critical role in bringing together key stakeholders from across the world.
Mission 500 GW: The central theme of RE-INVEST 2024 is India’s ambitious goal of expanding its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. Currently, India ranks as the fourth-largest country globally in installed renewable energy capacity, a remarkable feat for a nation undergoing rapid industrial and economic growth.
The event also featured 44 sessions, including high-level discussions such as the Chief Ministerial Plenary and CEO Roundtable, as well as specialized forums on innovations in renewable energy. A unique highlight was the focus on women in energy transitions, showcasing India’s commitment to fostering inclusivity within the sector.
Collaborations and International Partners
India’s renewable energy expansion is not a solitary effort. The country has partnered with global leaders like Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway to enhance knowledge exchange and technology transfer in clean energy solutions. Domestically, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh are actively participating in advancing India’s renewable energy targets.
Promoting Innovation: Solar X Challenge and Start-ups
Start-ups took center stage at RE-INVEST 2024, with a dedicated platform for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative solutions in clean energy. The Solar X Challenge provided start-ups the opportunity to pitch their projects, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment to drive innovation. The top ten winners were celebrated, further underlining India’s commitment to nurturing its start-up ecosystem within the energy sector.
PM Modi’s Interaction with Solar Rooftop Scheme Beneficiaries
In addition to the grand expo, PM Modi took time to interact with beneficiaries of the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijlee Yojna’ scheme in Gandhinagar. Launched earlier this year, the scheme aims to empower households by enabling them to generate their own electricity through solar rooftop installations. The government is providing subsidies to cover 60% of the cost for systems up to 2kW and 40% for systems between 2 to 3kW, making renewable energy accessible to more households across India.
During his 20-minute visit to a residential complex, Modi listened to the experiences of beneficiaries, reinforcing his government’s commitment to making solar energy affordable and widely available at the grassroots level.
Shree Somnath Trust: A Commitment to Spiritual and Sustainable Growth
Later in the day, PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust, which manages the iconic Somnath Temple. The Trust is not only focused on preserving the spiritual heritage of the site but also on enhancing the experience for pilgrims and improving facilities. The meeting reviewed ongoing development projects to ensure that the Trust’s work aligns with both spiritual and sustainable principles, further reflecting Modi’s vision of integrating growth with ecological balance.
India’s Future in Renewable Energy: A Path Forward
India’s leadership in renewable energy is more than just a national ambition—it is a global necessity. Through initiatives like RE-INVEST 2024, PM Modi’s government continues to position India as a key player in the global transition towards clean energy. With a clear focus on achieving net-zero emissions and expanding renewable energy capacity, India is not just keeping pace with global trends but setting the standard for sustainable development in the 21st century.
The country’s aggressive goals for renewable energy, supported by innovative policies, international partnerships, and the commitment of both the public and private sectors, signal a bright and sustainable future for India. As Modi concluded at RE-INVEST 2024, “We are working not just for today, but for the next generation.”
