Renewable Energy in Shaping the Upcoming Energy Demands in India: A Review on Status, Policy Analysis and Future Pathways

Abstract

Energy is the key catalyst in the overall economic growth of any nation. Energy in many forms drives the nation. In the current scenario, India's energy utilization ranks fourth globally in total energy consumption, with the majority of it derived from non-renewable sources. The need of the hour stands in the exploitation of renewable sources of energy to mitigate the arising environmental issues, as well as the fear of being driven out of the conventional energy sources. As the population grows, so does the energy demand, raising concerns about sustainable resource utilization and reducing carbon footprints. As of 2025, India’s renewable capacity has reached a significant milestone of 220.10 GW, driven largely by a 106 GW solar contribution. The findings also suggest that while India is on a trajectory to meet its 500 GW target by 2030, success depends on modernized grid infrastructure and enhanced public-private partnerships. These problems are not just limited to India, but the whole world is working towards a common goal to achieve sustainability in the energy sector. This review paper explores the current status and scope of renewable energy in India, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal offering strategic framework for policymakers and researchers to navigate the challenges of scaling clean energy in an emerging economy.