UPSC Notes

Renewable Energy Development in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Central to India's sustainable development goals, climate change commitments, energy security, and economic growth. It involves technology, policy, and international relations.

India is actively pursuing a transition towards renewable energy sources to address energy security concerns, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable development. This involves significant investment in solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy projects, supported by various government policies and private sector participation.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

National Goals

Ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition (e.g., 500 GW by 2030).

Key Sources

Solar and wind power are dominant, with increasing focus on hybrid projects.

Drivers

Energy security, climate change commitments, economic growth, rural electrification.

Economic Impact

Creates employment, attracts investment, reduces fossil fuel imports.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)Formulates policy
Niti AayogAdvises policy
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Strategic for energy security and climate goals.
  • Focus on solar and wind power.
  • Aims for significant capacity addition (e.g., 500 GW by 2030).
  • Generates employment and fosters rural development.
  • Supported by government policies and private investment.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Science & Technology

Harnessing the Power of the Sun: How VCF-SC Enabled Palnadu Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. to Drive Clean Energy and Rural Development

05 Aug 2026 · India's renewable energy development is a strategic priority to achieve energy security and climate goals, driven by solar and wind power, and supported by policies that also foster rural development and employment.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Renewable Energy Development in India

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Renewable Energy Development in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Renewable Energy Development in India

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential s...

2025·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity b...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silic...

2018·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended w...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2. Mass rapid transport 3. Health care 4. Renewable energy On how many of the above do...

2023·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport. 3. Goa has the...

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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