New Delhi: Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), stated that new tariffs imposed by the United States will not significantly impact India’s renewable energy exports.
Shri Sarangi’s comments come as India continues its aggressive push into new energy projects, particularly in offshore wind.
Shri Sarangi noted that India’s current volume of renewable energy exports to the U.S. is relatively low, which insulates the sector from the direct impact of the new tariffs.
He emphasized that the tariffs, while a challenge for other sectors, will not disrupt India’s ambitious clean energy targets. The government is focused on expanding its domestic manufacturing capacity and is confident in its ability to meet its renewable energy goals.
Shri Sarangi’s remarks align with India’s broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. A key part of this strategy is the development of offshore wind energy.
The government has approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme with a total outlay of over ₹7,453 crore to support the initial 1 GW of offshore wind projects. The funding is intended to bridge the cost gap, making these projects commercially viable for private developers.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has already issued tenders for 1 GW offshore wind projects off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The government anticipates that these projects will not only boost renewable capacity but also create a new ecosystem for the offshore wind industry in the country.
The country is on track to achieve its goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. This includes a focus on large-scale solar parks, new bioenergy initiatives, and advancements in green hydrogen. The government is also promoting rooftop solar panels through schemes like the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.