India’s unconstrained Renewable Energy (RE) potential is immense – over 24,000 GW. We need less than one-third of that to go net zero. However, in scaling our renewables beyond 1,500 GW, we could face challenges.

Using detailed 5x5km grid cells, our study maps India's RE potential across its landmass.

The finding: Given their land and infrastructure capacities, Odisha & Madhya Pradesh emerge as new states that can bolster India’s RE ambitions.

The challenge: Population density, land and climate conflicts significantly limit how much of this 24,000 GW RE potential can be realised on the ground.

The analysis also maps India’s green hydrogen potential, which is crucial to the transition to clean energy. The CEEW study estimates a production potential of 40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at a cost lower than USD 3.5/kg.

The finding: With advancements in electrolyser technology and more efficient RE systems, states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra could lead India’s low-cost hydrogen production.

The challenge: Water availability and management could impact the cost of green hydrogen technology.

To meet our ambitious RE and green hydrogen targets, India needs to :

3. Use land resources strategically

4. Improve our water management

5. Develop a resilient power grid infrastructure

1. Adopt a comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable approach in its clean energy transition

2. Use higher-quality data and on-ground assessments to accurately assess potential

Read more in our latest study, ‘Unlocking India’s RE and Green Hydrogen Potential: An Assessment of Land, Water, and Climate Nexus.

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