New Delhi: Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), took part as a panelist in the session titled “From Policy to Power: How Decentralisation is Putting Change in People’s Hands” held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, during the Sustainable is Attainable Fest 2025 on October 15, 2025. The session focused on the transformative role decentralised energy systems play in empowering communities and accelerating India’s energy transition.
India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Hits 247 GW Mark
Highlighting India’s renewable energy progress, Mr. Das noted that the country’s renewable capacity has surged to 247 gigawatts (GW) as of September 2025. This includes an impressive addition of nearly 27 GW in the first half of fiscal year 2025-26, close to the record 29.6 GW added in the entire FY25. He emphasized the ambitious target of achieving 485 GW by 2030, which will require an accelerated annual capacity addition of 50 to 60 GW in the coming years.
Renewables: More Than Just Power—A Sustainability Solution
Mr. Das stressed that renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy are not only vital power generators but critical tools for environmental sustainability. According to him, every unit of clean energy generated helps avoid nearly 750 grams of carbon emissions, playing a crucial role in protecting the environment for future generations.
IREDA’s Role in Decentralised Renewable Energy Financing
Discussing IREDA’s pivotal role in India’s clean energy landscape, Mr. Das highlighted the growing importance of decentralised energy systems owned by farmers, cooperatives, MSMEs, and housing societies. These citizens, acting as both producers and consumers—“prosumers”—are becoming integral to India’s energy ecosystem.
He pointed out that IREDA’s Retail Business Division has successfully financed decentralised renewable projects under schemes like PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar, proving that green lending at the grassroots level is both viable and impactful.
Maturing Financial Ecosystem Supports Green Growth
Mr. Das further noted the evolution of India’s financial ecosystem, which now includes cooperative, rural, and commercial banks actively participating in renewable energy and retail clean-energy financing. This maturing ecosystem enhances confidence in green investments and expands funding access for decentralised clean energy projects across the country.
About (IREDA)
IREDA a leading public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) — has emerged as a key driver of India’s energy transition. The agency boasts strong governance and a consistent track record of responsible growth. IREDA’s leadership encompasses financing large-scale renewable energy projects and empowering communities through decentralised, community-driven sustainable energy solutions.
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