India joins solar superpowers, Surpassing 100 GW capacity milestone

India has firmly established itself as a solar superpower, joining just three other countries—China, the US, and Germany—in surpassing 100 gigawatts of installed solar capacity.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell praised India's achievements, highlighting its leadership in solar energy.

According to Stiell, countries that take the initiative stand to gain significantly from a new global order.

India is already moving in this direction by establishing the International Solar Alliance and setting ambitious goals for the growth of clean energy.

At the same time, the country is expanding economically while reducing energy intensity. He said, "You now have an opportunity to go even further."

Stiell also highlighted India's rapid progress in energy access, noting that every village was electrified well ahead of schedule. He emphasized the need for India to "take the next step and unleash even bigger benefits" for its 1.4 billion people and its economy.

He further recommended that India strengthen its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan.

In addition, he urged nations worldwide to focus on the enormous growth potential of renewable energy, including wind and solar power, improving living standards, and creating jobs, rather than solely concentrating on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use through NDCs.

"India is already headed firmly in this direction, but an even stronger embrace of the global clean energy boom will supercharge India’s economic rise," said Stiell.

Referring to the United States, Stiell remarked, "When one nation steps back, others will surely step forward," highlighting the competition among nations to gain the largest economic and commercial benefits from the renewable energy boom.

He made these comments without specifically mentioning the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement under President Donald Trump.

Stiell emphasized that, to reap the greatest rewards, nations need an integrated approach, with governments, businesses, and society working together to align research, investment, education, and training.

During the event, he also reminded wealthier countries of their obligations to raise sufficient climate funds to support initiatives in developing nations.

"I would also be remiss if I didn’t remind my international colleagues present—especially those from advanced economies—of the clear need for more and better climate finance, particularly for climate resilience," he said.

In addition to praising India's renewable energy efforts, Stiell highlighted the country’s other climate initiatives.

"Key among them is Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in prioritizing LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)—unleashing the power of institutions, communities, and individuals to protect the environment and promote a circular economy," he said.

While addressing the audience, Stiell emphasized potential rather than focusing solely on the dire consequences of the climate crisis.

He pointed out that the global clean energy revolution will not slow down. "Global heating is real, here, and imposing growing costs right now. But governments and businesses are building clean energy because it’s strategic and profitable. This is the biggest economic transformation of our age, which means it is also the biggest economic and commercial opportunity," he said.

"Indian investors and businesses will surge ahead in key industries," Stiell added, urging bureaucracy and businesses to collaborate in order to truly transform India into a renewable energy powerhouse.

Around 1.4 billion people will benefit greatly from a more electrified India, both now and in the years to come, and the country will never look back.