Green Energy: Driving India’s Growth – Ratul Puri
As India aspires to become a global economic powerhouse, one factor is emerging as both a challenge and an opportunity: energy. In particular, renewable energy is becoming the cornerstone of India’s strategy for sustained growth. Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, offers a compelling vision of how green energy is not just an environmental imperative—but a key pillar of India’s overall development.
The Shift to Renewable Energy: Powering Economic Growth
India’s journey toward clean energy is transforming the power sector. Since 2012, the country has not launched any new thermal power projects—a sign of its changing energy priorities. Given the long lead times for thermal plant construction (5–10 years), this has created a looming supply-demand gap expected to peak between 2017 and 2022.
At the same time, India is targeting over 8% annual GDP growth. Meeting that economic goal will require stable, scalable, and sustainable energy sources. That’s where the government’s ambitious 175 GW renewable energy target comes into play. Clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about keeping India’s growth engine running.
A Personal Drive to Power India's Future
Ratul Puri entered the power sector in 2008 with a clear conviction: for India to achieve developed nation status, it had to dramatically expand its electricity capacity. At the time, the power sector was a complex mix of enormous potential and persistent bottlenecks—a perfect challenge for entrepreneurial leadership.
His belief was simple yet profound: economic transformation is impossible without energy transformation. That guiding principle continues to shape Hindustan Power’s approach to both conventional and renewable energy projects.
Government Strategy: Building a Resilient Power Ecosystem
Thanks to a more integrated and proactive approach, the Indian government has made real strides in enhancing 24×7 electricity access. The policy environment now actively supports renewable energy investments and innovations. Several trends underscore this momentum:
- Solar and wind costs have plummeted, now competing directly with thermal energy (Rs 5.0–6.75 per kWh).
- Regulatory clarity and ease of doing business have improved investor confidence.
- A more consolidated market is emerging, with 7–10 major players expected to drive large-scale projects.
These developments signal a shift toward a more mature and resilient energy sector, capable of supporting India’s long-term goals.
Clean Energy = Inclusive Growth
Beyond economic metrics, India’s clean energy journey offers social and environmental dividends. Access to reliable power enables education, healthcare, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurship in rural and underserved regions.
With abundant solar and wind resources, India has the potential to lead the world in clean energy deployment. By aligning government policies, private investment, and grassroots participation, India can transform its energy sector into a model of inclusive, green-led growth.
Conclusion: Renewable Energy is India’s Economic Engine
As Ratul Puri emphasizes, green energy is more than a sector—it’s a strategic enabler of India’s development story. With the right policies, partnerships, and persistence, India’s shift to clean power can fuel a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.