New Delhi, 2 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the four-day Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together global policymakers, ministers, investors and industry leaders to promote investment, technology partnerships and cooperation in the clean energy sector.

Held under the theme 'Invest. Innovate. Inspire.', the summit from November 2 to 5 is attracting participants from more than 130 countries, including over 40 ministers. Nine country partners - Australia, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom - are participating in the event.

Thirteen States and Union Territories, including Chhattisgarh, are showcasing their renewable energy potential, investment opportunities and manufacturing capabilities. The accompanying exhibition features more than 400 exhibitors presenting technologies and solutions in solar and wind power, green hydrogen, energy storage and other emerging areas.

The summit is being held alongside the ninth session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly and the fourth International Conference on Green Hydrogen, bringing three major clean energy platforms together. The discussions are expected to cover investment, financing, technology development, manufacturing and international cooperation.

India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity by 2030. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the country had 308 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity, while an estimated USD 220 billion in investment would be required between 2027 and 2030 to support the clean energy transition, including renewable generation, storage, transmission and domestic manufacturing.

Chhattisgarh outlines Rs 5.60 lakh crore investment potential

At a high-level roundtable involving Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented investment opportunities worth Rs 5.60 lakh crore over the next five years and invited investors and industry representatives to partner in the state's energy development. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik were also present.

Sai said the state had proposed an investment of Rs 1.33 lakh crore in renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 23,923 MW, besides Rs 3.27 lakh crore for expanding thermal power generation. Chhattisgarh aims to increase its green energy capacity from the existing 3,000 MW to 15,000 MW by 2030 and raise the share of green energy in its electricity demand from 15 per cent to more than 45 per cent.

The state has identified 10 pumped-storage hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 12,300 MW, involving a proposed investment of around Rs 65,000 crore. It also plans to install battery energy storage systems with a capacity of 10,000 MWh over the next two years. A 40 MW/120 MWh battery storage system linked to a 100 MW solar project is already operational in Rajnandgaon.

Sai also highlighted the state's solar energy initiatives. Around 1.26 lakh rooftop solar units have been installed under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, while 1.66 lakh solar-powered irrigation pumps are being used across nearly 1.94 lakh hectares. The state plans to establish solar power plants with a combined capacity of 395 MW under the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Yojana.

The state is also exploring compressed biogas, bio-ethanol and green hydrogen production using agricultural waste, cow dung and other bio-resources. Eight compressed biogas plants with a combined capacity of 80 metric tonnes are being developed, involving a proposed investment of around Rs 800 crore. Private investment proposals worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore are also under consideration.

Sai visited the Chhattisgarh pavilion at Bharat Mandapam and interacted with investors and industry representatives, presenting the state's energy resources, policies and project opportunities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar