In a notable move toward renewable energy and sustainability, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the interim budget presentation, has highlighted considerable investments in solar energy and the groundbreaking National Green Hydrogen Mission. This demonstrates the government's dedication to achieving ambitious climate goals and strengthening energy security.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the budget for the Solar Power (Grid) sector has seen a significant increase, reaching Rs 8,500 crore compared to the previous fiscal's allocation of Rs 4,970 crore. This nearly 71% rise underscores the government's strategic shift toward clean energy and its integral role in propelling the nation's economic growth. The increased budget is set to expedite the growth of solar infrastructure, facilitate large-scale solar projects, and encourage the widespread adoption of solar technology across diverse sectors.
In another noteworthy decision, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a cornerstone of the country's green growth aspirations, has received a substantial allocation of Rs 600 crore, marking a significant surge from the previous year's Rs 297 crore. This budgetary augmentation reflects a robust commitment to leverage this advanced technology for energy storage, transportation, and industrial applications, effectively reducing the country's carbon footprint.
Analysts posit that these investments will act as a catalyst for a series of innovations and attract both domestic and international investors to India's renewable energy sector. The specific focus on green hydrogen positions India as a frontrunner in developing alternative fuels to cater to diverse energy needs, spanning from vehicle propulsion to industrial processes. The augmented allocations align with India's heightened efforts to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. These allocations are expected to further solidify India's standing as a global leader in renewable energy and set a precedent for other economies to emulate in the collective fight against climate change.