Renewable Energy Policy & Promotion in India
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
India's ambitious renewable energy targets (e.g., 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030), energy security, climate change mitigation, economic growth, and technological advancements in the energy sector. Policies are crucial for achieving these goals and are a significant part of India's development strategy.
India has been actively pursuing a robust policy framework to accelerate the adoption and growth of renewable energy sources, crucial for its energy security, climate change commitments, and sustainable development goals. These policies aim to create an enabling environment for investment, infrastructure development, and market mechanisms for green energy.
Facts & tables
- Installed Wind Capacity
- India's total installed wind energy capacity reached 57,443 MW as of June 30, 2026, ranking 4th globally in wind energy installation by Dec 2025.
- Key Policy Instruments
- Major initiatives include the Green Energy Corridor Scheme, waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges, 100% FDI under automatic route, and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) / Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO).
- Market Mechanisms
- The introduction of Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) and Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, facilitates market-based procurement and consumption of green energy.
- Offshore Wind Development
- Specific policies like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Offshore Wind Energy Projects and Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023, are in place to tap into India's offshore wind potential.
| Scheme/Policy | Objective |
|---|---|
| Green Energy Corridor Scheme | Strengthen transmission infrastructure for renewable power evacuation. |
| ISTS Charges Waiver | Reduce transmission costs for inter-state sale of solar and wind power. |
| RPO/RCO | Mandate minimum renewable energy procurement/consumption by designated entities. |
| Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Offshore Wind | Provide financial support to make offshore wind projects economically viable. |
| Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 | Facilitate access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable green energy for consumers. |
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Environment & Ecology |
| Conceptual area | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Conceptual area | Environmental Law & Policy |
| Conceptual area | Fiscal Policy & Public Debt |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of New & Renewable Energy | Implements |
| Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) | Regulates/enforces |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- India's 4th global rank in wind energy installation (Dec 2025).
- Key policies: Green Energy Corridor, ISTS waiver, RPO/RCO, VGF for Offshore Wind.
- Market mechanisms: Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM), Green Energy Open Access Rules.
- 100% FDI under automatic route permitted for RE projects.
- Focus on both onshore and offshore wind development through specific policies.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2019 | Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
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Environment & Ecology
Conceptual area
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Renewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual area
-
Environmental Law & Policy
Conceptual area
-
Fiscal Policy & Public Debt
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2019
Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
India’s Installed Wind Power Capacity Reaches 57,443 MW as on June 30, 2026
India's renewable energy policy framework is multi-faceted, encompassing infrastructure development (Green Energy Corridor), financial incentives (ISTS waiver, VGF), market mechanisms (GTAM, Green Energy Open Access), regulatory mandates (RPO/RCO), and specific sectoral policies (Offshore Wind, Repowering) to boost green energy adoption.
See also
Past papers
2018–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
India’s Installed Wind Power Capacity Reaches 57,443 MW as on June 30, 2026
India's renewable energy policy framework is multi-faceted, encompassing infrastructure development (Green Energy Corridor), financial incentives (ISTS waiver, VGF), market mechanisms (GTAM, Green Energy Open Access), regulatory mandates (RPO/RCO), and specific sectoral policies (Offshore Wind, Repowering) to boost green energy adoption.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels (primarily natural gas) through steam methane reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, is known as Blue Hydrogen, not Green Hydrogen. Statement 2 is Correct: Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind). It is a completely zero-emission process. Statement 3 is Correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Government of India has set quantified targets for 2030. It aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum. This will lead to the abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, alongside reducing fossil fuel imports and creating over 6 lakh jobs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Consider the following heavy industries :
1. Fertilizer plants
2. Oil refineries
3. Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
* Green hydrogen is the hydrogen produced through electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources. * Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing all three of the mentioned heavy industries. * Green hydrogen can be used in the production of ammonia, which is a key component for many fertilizers. Fertilizer production is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. By using green hydrogen as a clean energy source, the carbon emissions from this industry can be significantly reduced * Green hydrogen can be used in oil refineries to process crude oil into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This can help to reduce the carbon emissions from the refining process. * The steel industry is one of the largest industrial emitters of carbon dioxide. Green hydrogen can be used in place of coal in the steelmaking process, significantly reducing the industry's carbon emissions.
Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is used for long-duration energy storage. It works by pumping water to a higher reservoir during low electricity demand and releasing it to generate power during peak demand. This process helps balance the grid supply and demand, making PSH an effective tool for energy storage over extended periods. Thus, the correct answer is C.
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
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 with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
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 silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?
* Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are both thermochemical processes used to convert waste materials (organic or inorganic) into usable products. * Pyrolysis: This process involves heating organic materials (like plastic, and biomass) in an oxygen-deficient environment, leading to decomposition into various products like syngas (a mixture of gases), bio-oil, and char. * Plasma gasification: This technology uses high-temperature plasma to break down waste materials into syngas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide. * Both processes offer a potential solution for waste management and energy generation. They can convert various waste streams into usable fuels or feedstock for further processing.
Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy
On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
* In March 2020, Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) was formally established as a stand-alone business unit in the UNOPS governance structure, making UNOPS the first United Nations organisation able to make direct investments from its own balance sheet. * In line with the UNOPS Strategic Plan, 2022-2025, the S3i office will seek to enhance and accelerate the effort of engaging public and private sector investors to work collectively to scale up infrastructure investments and consider co-creating innovative financing options. The UNOPS S3i will continue rolling out the initiative across its three focus-areas- affordable housing- renewable energy- health infrastructure _SK Tip_: _Just think of the option - Rapid Mass Transport. If we generally think, rapid mass transport is not a need or even a necessity while considering sustainable aspects. Had it been mass transport, we would have still given it a thought. But not rapid mass transport._