Budget 2025 Expectations: Views of clean energy industry stakeholders

Since the announcement of Budget 2024, India has made notable strides in advancing sustainability and building climate resilience, underscoring the nation’s strong commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 while fostering sustainable and inclusive development. With an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the government’s initiatives have driven significant growth in renewable energy projects. Increased investments in renewable energy infrastructure, including grid modernisation and advanced storage solutions, are poised to establish a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

As the union budget for 2025-26 approaches, anticipation is building across the renewable energy sector, with the stakeholders eager to see how the government will expand on clean energy initiatives to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future. Industry experts share their Budget 2025 expectations for the clear energy sector…

Amit Uplenchwar, Director, KPIL

“As we approach the union budget, we remain optimistic about its potential to drive growth across key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and construction. The government’s continued focus on energy and infrastructure is expected to provide a strong boost to the engineering, procurement, and construction industry. Investments in green energy initiatives will further enhance India’s competitiveness globally by moving towards net zero carbon emissions. At KPIL, we are aligned with these national priorities and committed to contributing meaningfully by delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions across our projects. With a positive outlook for the year, we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve India’s long-term ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ development goals.”

Anirudh Saraswat, Founder, Oriana Power

“This year’s union budget is widely expected to provide a significant boost to India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. As we approach this deadline, renewable energy players are recognising the key challenges and constraints that could slow down new capacity additions and prevent India from realising its 2030 target.

Perhaps the biggest challenge among them is land acquisition and transmission connectivity issues related to solar projects, as solar energy is expected to be the largest contributor to new renewable energy capacity in India. Despite many proactive efforts by central and state governments in recent years, land aggregation remains the biggest impediment to executing large-scale solar projects, including solar parks in India. Fast-tracking the digitisation of land records and simplifying various central and state laws related to land particularly those involving environmental and wildlife protection are two crucial steps needed to enable solar developers to execute larger projects. These measures will not only help achieve our 500 GW target but will also significantly enhance the country’s energy security. Similarly, connectivity for evacuating power remains a major roadblock for solar developers and must be addressed by simplifying Right of Way rules for power evacuation from solar projects. We hope the union budget 2025 proactively addresses these critical issues and clears the path for India’s renewable energy industry to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat powered by clean and sustainable energy.”

Arif Aga, Director, SgurrEnergy

“The renewable energy sector in India is at a critical juncture where enhanced funding, robust regulatory frameworks, and a strong policy push are essential to meet the country’s ambitious goals of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. While private investments have significantly contributed to this sectors growth, higher public spending is crucial to build a resilient ecosystem. The union budget 2025 is expected to play a transformative role by scaling up financial allocations and incentivising green technologies like green hydrogen, solar, and wind energy. Stakeholders anticipates subsidies to make Indian green energy competitive globally. By introducing innovative financial mechanisms, enhancing public-private partnerships, and fostering international collaborations, the government can not only achieve its domestic targets but also position India as a global leader in renewable energy. A progressive budget could truly accelerate India’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions while unlocking economic and environmental gains.”

Ashish Agarwal, Head of Solar & Storage, BluPine Energy

“As India moves forward with its ambitious renewable energy targets, public-private partnerships will play a pivotal role in creating a robust ecosystem for workforce development. With the target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, the demand for a skilled workforce will be immense. The government’s Skill India programme provides an ideal platform to develop this talent pool. However, there is a critical need for greater collaboration between industry and government to ensure that we are training the next generation of skilled workers who can support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and technology.

Another key area requiring attention is the incentivisation of energy storage systems. While last year’s PLI scheme was a commendable first step in supporting battery manufacturing, it is crucial that we accelerate efforts to boost this sector. By focusing on the development of storage systems, we can reduce dependence on imports and enhance the stability of India’s power grids. Stronger incentives in this area will support the growth of domestic manufacturing and is also critical in managing the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy production, ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply for the nation.”

Atul Mudaliar, Director of Systems Change, India at Climate Group

“India’s growth ambitions draw heavily on the availability of cost-efficient power and reliable infrastructure. The upcoming Budget should continue support for local renewable energy manufacturing through Performance Linked Incentive schemes and rooftop solar deployment. But the commercial and industrial segment also needs to be prioritised now through fiscal and non-fiscal measures to stabilise the volatility in renewable electricity rates.
India is already the second-largest producer of cement, widely used in infrastructure development, in the world. At least Rs 1.25 trillion capital expenditure is projected by fiscal year 2026-27. The Budget can unlock this opportunity for the Indian market by integrating green cement and concrete in the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti master plan. Green cement and concrete should also find a place in the green taxonomy developed for the construction sector.”

Baroruchi Mishra, Group CEO, Nauvata Energy Transition (NET) Enterprise Private Limited

  • “Export: Trump 2.0 (read enhanced tariffs) and the ongoing geopolitical flares will continue to keep global trade volatile. Nothing that the Indian government does will guarantee that our exports are sat safe in querencia. India will have to sweat it out to get to its $2 trillion export target by 2030, and reduce the over $200 billion trade deficit in the near term. We expect the government to announce steps on the following:
    * Increase export competitiveness not just through the rupee devaluation, which might have already reached an inflection point beyond which it start hurting growth, if not already.
    * Higher focus on manufacture of equipment and machinery – both for exports and for enabling increased multifactor productivity, especially in farm/agricultural sector. India’s Digital stack is doing its job in increasing productivity but now it is the hardware that will be needed to make the difference.
    * Thrust on exports from manufacturing (while keeping the momentum on the services sector), especially through decluttering and simplifying the delivery mechanisms of the government schemes like PLI or schemes to support to MSMEs which are currently in a quagmire of red tapes of the bureaucracy and the banking systems.
  • Increased spending power: More disposal income in the hands of the consumers will give a fillip to growth. We expect the following from the government:
    * Steps to tame inflation, especially food inflation, to spur rural demand.
    * Rationalisation of the tax structure – bringing larger population within a tax net while reducing burden on the low, middle-income groups.
    * Mechanisms to cut the current interest rate structures, which are a big deterrent to borrowing to increase consumption.
  • Infrastructure spending: This is key component for increasing the multiple factor productivity of the economy and yet the areas which need most attention – poor infrastructure in the cities like Bangalore which could be burning over $1 billion dollar in traffic jams , is not suitably addressed. This is in the State-List but clearly, the local delivery vehicles have failed. It is expected that the Budget will figure out a way to address this issue.
  • Climate Financing: India is one of the most affected countries by climate change; billions are spent in dealing with the aftermath of climate change. Some form of carbon pricing or carbon tax, however small, to change behaviors of the players in the hard to abate sectors – Steel, Cement, and Power will be needed. This will be key to ensuring projects in carbon capture and storage are implemented and enough is available for innovation and R&D in technologies that help reduce the costs in this sector. The pusillanimous attitudes towards dealing with the need for carbon capture and storage to combat climate change (beyond wind and solar) need to be changed soon. This Budget can make a start.”

Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar

“The year 2024 marked a transformative period in India’s green energy journey, with renewable energy capacity surpassing 200 GW in October, constituting 46.3 per cent of the total installed capacity, primarily driven by solar energy’s 90.76 GW contribution. This milestone reflects the success of initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and supportive government policies. Looking ahead, the union budget 2025 is expected to accelerate this momentum by focusing on key areas such as scaling rooftop solar installations through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, improving digital infrastructure like the National Solar Portal for better project execution, and supporting battery energy storage systems with customs duty concessions to enhance grid stability. The renewable energy sector also expects the government to take substantial initiatives to address the talent gap through rural skill development programmes under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan schemes. All in all, budget 2025 is expected to solidify India’s global leadership in renewable energy, align the country’s economy with net-zero goals, and drive sustainable economic development.”

Hardik Adhiya, Chief Operating Officer, Onix Group

“Capacity building in domestic manufacturing and renewable energy generation will build the energy transition pathway for the country to achieve the target to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. In line with that vision, the renewable energy sector expects the union budget 2025-26 to announce some proposals and targeted measures to reduce import dependence in sourcing equipment while strengthening the storage, transmission and distribution network. The budget needs to reflect policy continuity in terms of the production linked incentive scheme to build domestic manufacturing capacity of solar panels, modules and PV cells, which is pivotal in attaining self-reliance and competitiveness. In addition, the budget should announce incentives for banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the renewable energy sector. Moreover, we expect the budget to propose measures to incentivise renewable energy adoption in mobility as well as energy consumption and offer fiscal support to develop renewable energy infrastructure development and catalyse renewable energy projects, building a sustainable future.”

Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director, Cleanmax

“As we look ahead to the upcoming budget, we are optimistic about India’s continued commitment to advancing its clean energy transition towards a net-zero economy. India is poised to shine on the global stage as a pioneer in clean energy, setting the standard for sustainability, industrial growth, and climate action. With renewable energy installations expected to grow more than fourfold by 2030, we are confident that C&I sectors like manufacturing, data centres, automotive, cement, steel etc. will thrive in an environment that supports their sustainability efforts and climate goals. The C&I sector, responsible for 50 per cent of India’s overall energy needs, is rapidly adopting green energy with large-scale solutions. We anticipate announcements that will accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems and open access solutions, further propelling the shift towards green energy. India’s growing leadership in the global clean energy revolution will be reinforced while optimising energy costs, boosting industrial competitiveness, and creating millions of new jobs across expertise such as design, manufacturing, and operations. This momentum will not only fuel economic growth and job creation but also attract foreign investments, while helping industries meet their low-carbon emission goals.”

Mahesh Girdhar, MD and CEO, EverEnviro

“A phased construction-linked subsidy scheme is essential for maintaining cash flow for compressed biogas (CBG) producers, alongside the removal of customs duties on imported equipment to reduce capital costs. We also urge the government to implement a subsidy scheme for utilizing agricultural, industrial, and city waste to unlock the full potential of waste-to-energy. The introduction of low-interest financing at 5 per cent, with flexible moratoriums, would be a significant support to CBG project developers. GST exemptions for the first two years and subsidies for organic fertilisers from CBG plants would accelerate the sector’s ramp-up period. We also seek a mandatory offtake of organic fertilizers by national fertilizer companies, with a targeted subsidy for the first five years to ensure the long-term viability of CBG plants. Moreover, policies that support the production of green products like bio methanol, bio hydrogen, and bio genic carbon dioxide, as well as a clear roadmap for CBG blending with natural gas, would significantly boost sector growth. The creation of a national biogas grid and clear policies on green credit generation, with trading facilities, will position India as a leader in renewable energy and circular economy solutions.
 With these strategic initiatives, the upcoming budget can help transform CBG into a cornerstone of India’s clean energy infrastructure, creating jobs, promoting waste management, and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO, Sustain Labs Paris

“One of my key expectations is the introduction of incentives for renewable energy expansion, particularly in solar and wind energy, along with enhanced support for green hydrogen initiatives. Additionally, there is hope for increased allocation toward climate-resilient agriculture and water management, which is crucial for addressing the vulnerabilities faced by rural India due to changing climatic conditions. I also expect the government to take the next step in implementing the climate finance taxonomy announced last year. On the other hand, my hope is that the budget will intensify its focus on climate education as that is the oft-neglected key component for the other initiatives to fructify. My hope is also that the union budget will support the growth of small and medium enterprises and startups, including catering to the mandatory sustainability related attributes and documentation required for their inclusion in global trade”.

Nishant Sood, Managing Director , Candi Solar

“Bold policy reforms and decisive financial support are essential to fast-tracking solar adoption in India, starting with robust policy measures and targeted financial incentives. Introducing subsidies, tax rebates, and accelerated depreciation can make solar energy more affordable for commercial and industrial businesses, driving both economic and environmental progress. Streamlining land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and open access processes is equally important to minimise delays and simplify project execution. A standardised net metering policy across states would empower businesses to sell surplus solar power back to the grid, ensuring better financial returns. Expanding the ALMMs to include more suppliers until domestic capacity strengthens is vital to maintaining access to high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Additionally, bringing electricity under the GST framework and enabling input tax credits would significantly reduce costs, foster investment, and accelerate the growth of India’s renewable energy sector.”

N.P Ramesh, COO and Co-Founder, Orb Energy

“India’s clean energy future depends on making solar more accessible, especially for businesses and small and medium enterprises looking to make the switch. The upcoming union budget is an opportunity to remove financial barriers and encourage adoption. One key step would be restoring 100 per cent accelerated depreciation for solar investments—a policy that once made solar a more viable choice but was later reduced to 40 per cent. Bringing it back would help businesses recover costs faster and drive wider adoption. In the residential sector, the subsidy provided on systems could be replaced by income tax incentives which would remove the administrative burden of managing the subsidy mechanism.  This could also get more people filing taxes. Equally important is strengthening domestic solar manufacturing. Providing better infra support and tax breaks would be better than production-linked incentives.”

Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power Transmission Limited

“Budget 2025-26 is a pivotal moment for India’s energy future. With more than Rs 8 lakh crore allocated for transmission over the next seven years, it is essential to craft policies that foster the growth of renewable energy and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The waiver on transmission charges for the renewable sector has been a crucial policy move, positioning India as a leader in renewable energy deployment. However, continued support is vital to maintain this momentum and ensure that commercial and industrial consumers increasingly choose renewable energy in alignment with the 500 GW mission. The budget should prioritise allocating at least Rs 50 billion for the extension of the inter-state transission system waiver for another term. Additionally, significant funding should be directed towards accelerating the development of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in areas like submarine cables, HVDC technology, and strategic communication systems, to outpace global advancements.”

Preeti Bajaj, Managing Director and CEO, Luminous Power Technologies

“The union budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate India’s transition to solar energy. As the demand for clean energy rises, we expect the government to introduce enhanced financing schemes, such as subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax incentives, to make solar installations more affordable for households and businesses. Expanding initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana will further drive solar adoption and create new employment opportunities. Additionally, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises with tax breaks, grants, and funding for research and development (R&D) will foster innovation and reduce costs in the solar sector. Finally, investing in skill development programs for women and youth will help bridge the gender gap and create a skilled workforce to meet the demands of India’s growing solar market. Together, these measures can propel India toward a sustainable, solar-powered future, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro

“As India moves towards a more sustainable future, the union budget 2025 is a key moment to boost the country’s renewable energy and electric mobility sectors. We hope to see strong policy support and tax incentives that encourage innovation in clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and energy storage, while also prioritising the growth of domestic manufacturing for green technologies. Simplifying regulations, alongside increased funding for renewable energy R&D and grid integration, can help India maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable energy.

Additionally, as the electric vehicle (EV) market rapidly grows, the budget must address critical needs in the EV battery and recycling sectors. Policies that promote the development of advanced battery manufacturing, establish robust recycling networks, and support circular economy initiatives are crucial for a self-sufficient and sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem. Strengthening research and encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors in the battery supply chain will not only reduce our reliance on imports but also pave the way for India to become a global leader in clean innovation”.

Rakesh Malhotra, Founder, Livguard Solar 

“With the upcoming union budget, we eagerly anticipate the government’s continued emphasis on sustainability, especially in the renewable energy and electric mobility sectors.”

Dr Rohan Dutta, Associate Professor, Anant School For Climate Action

“As India strives to achieve its climate action goals and transition towards a sustainable future, the union budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to prioritise climate education in alignment with the visions of the National Education Policy 2020, and the national mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. I expect increased budgetary allocations to incorporate climate literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher institutions. This must include curriculum redesigns focused on sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and practical skill-building programs for green jobs. Investments in teacher training and digital resources can enhance the reach and effectiveness of climate education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Collaboration with industries and research institutions can foster innovation hubs within educational institutions, promoting climate solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges. Climate change is no longer abstract – it directly affects livelihoods, health, and economies. Therefore, empowering the next generation with knowledge and solutions is an investment in long-term resilience. The 2025 union budget must demonstrate a commitment to making climate education a cornerstone of national development, aligning with global best practices and India’s ambitious sustainability commitments. Only with informed citizens can India truly lead in creating a sustainable and climate-resilient world.”

Samir Ashta, Director – Finance & CFO, Apraava Energy

“India’s ongoing energy transition requires continued policy interventions and financial support. Policies and budget provisions that expedite the signing of power purchase agreements, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce reliance on imports, streamline land acquisition, encourage R&D and innovation, and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies will further accelerate the momentum the energy sector has gained in recent years. Budget 2025 can strengthen the corporate bond market by introducing tax exemptions for investments in the power sector. Greater policy interventions to help developers diversify their funding sources will ensure steady capital flow for renewable projects. Similarly, emphasis should be placed on aligning India’s carbon market framework with international standards. We need financial instruments that enable effective risk management. Introducing electricity derivatives could both provide a reliable price discovery mechanism and allow market participants to hedge against the volatility of electricity tariffs. The government should explore other innovative instruments, including contracts for difference and virtual power purchase agreements, to meet the needs of different stakeholders.

India has an opportunity to boost exports in solar and wind solutions. The budget should offer incentives for export-oriented manufacturing units. In the years ahead, India should explore bilateral trade agreements with renewable energy focused nations. This will unlock new revenue streams for domestic businesses. Further, to boost domestic investment, the government should consider reducing personal taxes, which would increase the availability of funds for private investment. In view of the need for high capital expenditure in renewable energy, Budget 2025 would do well to continue tax holidays for renewable energy projects and to reduce corporate tax rate for renewable energy companies to 15 per cent or lower. And, finally, I hope we see a reduction in, and rationalisation of, GST rates for renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines.”

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder and Managing Director, Freyr Energy

“The union budget 2025 is a pivotal moment for India’s solar energy growth. Last year was a landmark year for the residential solar sector.  It witnessed unprecedented growth driven by the government’ PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The focus should be on ensuring that sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity is there to fulfil upcoming demand. In addition to this, the entire process of loan evaluation and disbursal for residential solar loans should be digitised. Finally, the government should further streamline/standardise/digitise approvals to speed up system installation and grid connectivity timelines. A forward-thinking budget can provide clarity and support for these items, which will go a long way in helping the section meet or even exceed its goals.”

Shekhar Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Auto and Power Limited

“India’s renewable energy sector stands at a pivotal juncture as we approach the 2025 budget announcement. Initiatives like Muft Bijli Yojana are driving significant adoption of solar energy. Over 6 lakhs plus solar installations in just nine months is indeed impressive. This remarkable growth highlights the increasing demand for clean energy solutions. In addition, the government’s focus on enhancing PLI schemes for solar component manufacturing is set to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. This move will not only reduce India’s reliance on imported components, but also drive innovation, reduce costs, and make the sector more competitive globally in the current geopolitical context as well. The momentum in the solar industry shall ensure that the government’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 is surpassed.”

SK Gupta, CFO, AMPIN Energy Transition

“Renewable energy continues to be on an all-round growth path with focused policy, regulatory and fiscal support of the current government. This has helped the renewable capacity in the country cross an impressive milestone of 200 GW+ till date. We expect the government to continue this focused support to all sectors of this industry in the coming year’s budget also and expect specific focus to certain areas to help gain all-round long-term self-sufficiency across the value chain in it. Some of the key expectations of the industry from the budget will include:

  • In-house technology development: To become self-reliant in any field, in-house cutting-edge technology development and its commercialisation is pre-requisite. India has, over the years, proved its leadership position in inhouse development of multiple complex technology fields. With higher renewable energy targets across sectors, a high international dependence across the complete renewable technology value chain must be, therefore, reduced to a minimum. This can only be done by setting up high quality in-house research and design capabilities of the latest order in these fields also. The government should immediately start promoting this by providing suitable and strong regulatory and fiscal incentives to set up specialised labs in collaboration with leading international and India research institutions including the likes of IIT’s and other research-oriented bodies. Such a strength will also help us faster indigenise equipment plans for manufacture of various critical components.
  • Inhouse equipment manufacturing capabilities: While focus in creating domestic capacities in cell and module manufacturing has been a very welcome move in recent years, we are still fully dependent on import of equipment for manufacturing of these critical components, from abroad only. India has earned its name in equipment manufacturing in varied field in all these years and it is, therefore, time to start focusing on inhouse manufacturing of all equipment for cell and module lines in India only to help completely “made In India” status. The budget should provide for required regulatory and fiscal support for the same. This also applies to inhouse manufacturing of critical equipment for green hydrogen like electrolysers, among others.
  • As per some of the recent estimates India will need to invest approximately USD 200 billion + to meet its clean energy initiative targets till 2030. While the domestic industry is fully committed to drive and support in achieving the required energy targets, one of the most driving factors will be availability of required competitively priced funds from a combination of international and domestic institutions having specific focus to renewable energy development. We appreciate that government is working on this field and expect steady reduction in lending costs to industry by putting such projects into in ‘priority sector lending’. Re-introduction of lower TDS rates on Interests on ECBs /rupee denominated bonds will support reduced cost of funding for this industry.
  • The industry has a long pending request for rationalisation of indirect tax-GST, on turbines and modules to be reduced to 5 per cent from 12 per cent to help improve viability of renewable projects and help reduce tariff for consumers and the industry.
  • Considering increasing demand for solar cells and supply demand mismatch in available capacities, government should consider exceeding its target to introduce ALMM for cells for a further period of 5 years. Further rationalisation of import duty structure on solar cells is required to strengthen the industry.
  • Concessional income tax rate @ 15 per cent should be again brought back in the budget to boost the investments and should be further extended to 5 years to help steady growth of the industry.
  • Government should consider excluding renewable energy companies from deemed dividend taxability in case of loan/advances from SPVs to shareholders avoid cash trapping. This will ensure optimum cash utilisation within the group.
  • Exemption of GST on corporate guarantee for renewable energy companies wherein corporate guarantee is provided by holding company to lenders in respect of funding obtained by SPVs.
  • To help industry move to 100 per cent round-the-clock green power, economically viable solutions are a key integrator. The government should provide required policy and fiscal incentives to continue viability gap funding for BESS projects. Policy support for major battery ventures via tax breaks and subsidies to boost local production.
  • Interstate charges on power transmission through ISTS connectivity are waived till 2025. This should be further extended over the next 5 years to give a steeper boost to C&I segment which has large ISTS opportunities.”

Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO, Hero Future Energies

“The upcoming 11th consecutive budget of the Narendra Modi government is likely to continue its high priority, with matching allocations, for the renewable energy sector, as it has done consistently in every Budget since 2014. This is what enabled India’s non fossil fuel energy generating capacity to grow nearly seven times in just a decade: from a mere 35 GW in 2014 to over 200 GW in 2024. Given this growth over the past decade, achieving the target of 500 GW over the next 5 years, while challenging, is certainly achievable. While bids by government agencies like the Solar Energy Corporation of India and SJVN have gathered tremendous pace in the recent years, the captive and industrial segment of private industry consumers has also been growing rapidly.  The government’s continued support for financial mechanisms and a favourable regulatory framework will further strengthen renewable energy segment’s growth. This budget will play a central role in realising Prime Minister Modi’s vision of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable energy.”

Tanmoy Duari, CEO, AXITEC Energy India

“As India strives to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, we expect the upcoming budget to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector. We anticipate incentives for solar energy storage, green hydrogen, and grid-scale solar projects, which will help bridge the gap between India’s installed solar capacity of 60 GW and the ambitious target of 300 GW by 2030. Clarity on customs duty exemptions and GST reductions will also be crucial in making renewable energy more affordable. A supportive budget will propel India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Udit Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Kundan Green Energy

“The forthcoming union budget can be a key opportunity to boost India’s movement towards a cleaner and greener future. To maintain this momentum, an encouraging tax policy would be the need of the hour. Increasing tax holiday under Section 80-IA of the Income Tax Act and lowering corporate tax rates for companies engaged in renewable energy to 15 per cent or lower would provide much-needed sustainability to the industry. Moreover, facilitating tax credits on the production of green hydrogen and lowering GST rates for renewable energy products like solar panels and wind turbines would spur investments and innovation opportunities. Electricity prices volatility necessitates the need for financial instruments in handling effective risk management. The creation of electricity derivatives and consideration of innovative mechanisms including contracts for difference and virtual power purchase agreements will help stabilise the market and boost long-term investments.

Another critical area would be strengthening the corporate bond market. Tax exemptions for investments in the power sector will diversify funding sources and ensure a constant flow of capital for renewable energy projects. Additionally, a well-aligned carbon market with global standards will support India’s decarbonisation objectives while positioning the country as a carbon trading leader. Tax incentives to participate in the market will make it more widely adopted by industry. Lastly, India should utilise its achievements in renewable energy to become a global exporter of green technology. Budget 2025 should introduce incentives for export-oriented manufacturing units and explore bilateral trade agreements with renewable-focused nations. With these key areas addressed, the government can spur economic growth, improve energy security, and establish India as a leader in the global renewable energy landscape.”