India can lead global clean energy shift via green growth: Erik Solheim

NEW DELHI, India has the tools to lead the global clean energy transition by choosing green growth over the old fossil-fuel path, according to Erik Solheim, former head of the UN Environment Programme. Speaking to ETGovernment.com, Solheim argued that the country's scale, falling technology costs, and political will put it in a unique position.

"India can show the world how to build prosperity without wrecking the climate," Solheim said. He pointed to the rapid drop in solar and battery prices as a game-changer. "What looked expensive ten years ago is now the cheapest option. India should run with that."

Scale and speed

Solheim underlined India's sheer size as an advantage. With over 1.4 billion people and a fast-growing economy, any clean-energy push here shifts global markets. He noted that Indian companies are already driving down costs for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. "When India buys, the world pays less," he said.

The former diplomat also praised India's target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. He called it ambitious but achievable, provided the government keeps policy steady and speeds up grid upgrades. "The target is real. The question is execution," he said.

Jobs and justice

Solheim stressed that green growth is not just about cutting carbon. It is about creating jobs. He pointed to India's thriving solar installation sector and the rise of EV manufacturing hubs. "Every solar panel put on a roof means work for a local technician," he said. "Every electric rickshaw means cleaner air and lower fuel bills for a driver."

He also warned against leaving poor communities behind. "Clean energy has to reach the village, not just the boardroom," Solheim said. He cited examples of microgrids powering rural health clinics and solar pumps replacing diesel ones on farms.

Policy and pitfalls

Solheim acknowledged hurdles. Land acquisition for large solar parks remains slow. State-owned power distribution companies are deep in debt. And coal still supplies about 70 percent of India's electricity. "You cannot flip a switch and end coal overnight," he said. "But you can make coal less and less attractive by making renewables cheaper and more reliable."

He urged the government to cut red tape for clean-energy projects and to push harder on battery storage. "Storage is the missing piece. Without it, solar and wind are intermittent. With it, they can run the grid," Solheim said.

Global message

Solheim said India's success matters far beyond its borders. Rich countries have stalled on climate finance, and many developing nations look to India for a model. "If India can grow green, so can Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil," he said. "That is the real prize."

He also called on Indian businesses to export clean-energy know-how. "Indian engineers, Indian software, Indian manufacturing, these can power the world's transition," he said.

Solheim ended with a simple pitch: "Green growth is not a sacrifice. It is the smartest bet India can make."