PIB:- Published on 10 FEB 2026
Why is it in the news?
India is entering a decisive phase of its development journey. As the country moves toward its centenary year of independence in 2047, the goal of becoming a fully developed nation — Viksit Bharat — stands alongside another major commitment: achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. These two goals might appear to pull in different directions, but NITI Aayog’s latest study argues the opposite. It shows that economic development and climate responsibility can move forward together.
In February 2026, NITI Aayog released eleven detailed reports that map out future scenarios for India’s growth while keeping climate commitments in focus. This is India’s first government-led, integrated, multi-sector study combining economic planning, energy transition, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability. The reports suggest that India can continue expanding its economy, industry, and infrastructure while steadily shifting toward clean energy.
A New National Energy Blueprint
India’s last comprehensive integrated energy framework came in 2008. Since then, technology has evolved, renewable energy costs have fallen sharply, and climate risks have become more urgent. The new NITI Aayog study updates India’s long-term vision with modern data, modelling tools, and sector-wide analysis.
The exercise involved ten inter-ministerial working groups examining everything from macroeconomics and industry to critical minerals and financing. This collaborative effort ensures that the transition is not isolated to one sector but embedded across the entire economy.
Development and Sustainability Are Not Opposites
One of the strongest messages from the study is clear: India does not have to choose between growth and climate action. Every scenario studied confirms that achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 is possible even while moving toward Net Zero. Clean energy transition is presented not as a burden but as an opportunity for innovation, industrial leadership, and long-term resilience.
Smarter Use of Energy
India’s energy demand will continue to grow as living standards improve. However, the study finds that electrification, energy efficiency, and circular economy practices can reduce final energy demand by around 20% by 2070 compared to traditional growth patterns.
This reduction comes from using energy more intelligently — efficient appliances, better building design, recycling materials, and reducing waste. Growth continues, but energy is used more productively.
Coal’s Transitional Role
Coal remains important in the medium term. India’s coal consumption is expected to rise until about 2047 to support industrial expansion and power needs. But over time, its role declines as renewable energy and clean technologies scale up. The study emphasizes that transitions must be realistic and gradual, balancing development needs with environmental goals.
Power Sector: The Center of the Transition
Electricity as the Main Energy Carrier: Electricity is expected to become the dominant form of energy in India’s future economy. Its share in final energy demand could rise from about 21% in 2025 to nearly 60% by 2070. This shift is driven by electric vehicles, cooling needs, digital infrastructure, and green hydrogen production. A clean electricity backbone is essential for achieving Net Zero.
Rise of Non-Fossil Energy: The share of non-fossil power generation may rise from 23% today to as high as 80–85% by 2070. Solar and wind power will lead this expansion, supported by battery storage, nuclear energy, and upgraded transmission networks. Renewable energy is no longer just an environmental choice — it is increasingly the cheapest and most practical option for India’s power sector.
Reliability and Infrastructure
As renewable capacity grows, the grid must evolve. Investments in storage, smart grids, and flexible power systems will ensure reliability. Planning ahead is critical, because electricity demand is expected to surge due to urbanization and electrification.
Growing Movement of People and Goods
India’s mobility needs are expanding rapidly. More vehicles, freight movement, and urban travel could sharply increase emissions if traditional fuels continue to dominate.
Clean Energy in Transport
The study outlines a diversified solution. By 2070, electricity, biofuels, and hydrogen could supply nearly 90% of transport energy demand. Key strategies include:
- Expansion of electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel for heavy transport
- Sustainable aviation fuels
- Shift toward rail and waterways
- Strong public transport systems
The transition is not just about new fuels — it also involves redesigning mobility patterns to be more efficient.
Rapid Industrial Growth Ahead
Demand for steel, cement, and aluminium may increase four to six times by 2070 as India builds cities, infrastructure, and manufacturing capacity. These sectors are energy-intensive and difficult to decarbonize, making them central to the Net Zero effort.
Electrification and Green Hydrogen
Electricity and green hydrogen are expected to power future industries. Recycling, material efficiency, and process innovation will play major roles. New technologies like hydrogen-based steel production and carbon capture can reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.
India’s industrial firms already operate at global scale, giving the country a competitive advantage in developing clean manufacturing.
Critical Minerals: Securing the Energy Future
Rising Demand for Key Materials: Clean energy technologies require large amounts of copper, graphite, lithium, and other minerals. India’s energy transition will significantly increase demand for these resources.
Recycling and Circular Economy: By mid-century, recycling could supply 20–25% of India’s copper and graphite needs. Circular strategies reduce import dependence, save energy, and create domestic industries.
Diversified Supply Chains: India must combine domestic mining, global partnerships, and institutional reforms to secure critical minerals. Even if mineral imports rise, reduced fossil fuel imports will likely leave India more energy secure overall.
Behavioral Change and Mission LiFE: Technology alone cannot deliver Net Zero. Mission LiFE emphasizes responsible consumption and lifestyle changes. Small everyday actions — saving electricity, reducing waste, using public transport — scale into significant national impact when adopted widely. Citizens are not just observers in the transition; they are participants.
Financing the Transition
Investment at Historic Scale: The clean energy transition requires enormous investment in infrastructure, research, and manufacturing. Public funding, private investment, and international climate finance must work together. Clear policy direction and stable regulations will be essential to attract capital.
Strengthening the Power Sector: Financially healthy electricity distribution companies are crucial. A strong distribution system ensures that electrification benefits consumers while keeping the grid stable.
Technology and Innovation: India must invest in domestic research to reduce technology dependence. Innovation in batteries, hydrogen, carbon capture, and grid management can position the country as a global technology leader. Clean energy innovation is not just an environmental strategy — it is an economic opportunity.
Social Impact of the Transition
A Just Transition: Regions dependent on fossil fuel industries require careful planning to protect jobs and livelihoods. Training programs and economic diversification are essential to ensure that no community is left behind.
Employment Growth: Renewable energy, electric mobility, recycling industries, and advanced manufacturing are expected to generate millions of jobs. Skill development will be key to preparing the workforce.’
Governance and Policy Coordination: The study highlights the need for coordinated action across ministries, states, and industries. Long-term targets must be supported by clear roadmaps, interim milestones, and continuous monitoring. Policy consistency encourages investment and reduces uncertainty.
India’s Role on the Global Stage
India’s transition demonstrates that emerging economies can grow rapidly without repeating the carbon-heavy development path of the past. By combining growth with sustainability, India strengthens its global leadership in climate action. Its scale ensures that success here influences global markets and climate outcomes.
Conclusion: A Defining Opportunity
NITI Aayog’s reports present a hopeful yet realistic picture. India can achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 while moving steadily toward Net Zero 2070. Electrification, renewable expansion, clean industry, circular economy practices, and behavioural change together form a comprehensive roadmap.
The transition is more than an environmental necessity — it is a chance to build a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient economy. The challenge now lies in implementation: turning strategy into action. If India succeeds, it will not only secure its own future but also redefine sustainable development for the world.
