India

India: Leading the Energy Transition

India has established itself as a global leader across all pillars of the energy transition. Since 2000, the country has provided access to electricity to over 700 million people, resulting in universal access. In parallel, India has also made substantial progress in clean cooking and energy efficiency, though further efforts are needed to address remaining gaps.

With the G20 Presidency in 2023, India demonstrated its leadership by bringing together G20 member countries to commit to a just and equitable energy transition, including the goals of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030.

SEforALL has partnered on several initiatives established during India’s G20 Presidency and is continuing to engage with country partners on Energy Compacts, energy efficiency, and South-South cooperation.

0 %

Share of non-fossil capacity in total installed power generation capacity (2025).

0.5 MJ per USD (2021 PPP)

National energy intensity

$0 bn

Annual investments in energy end-use sectors needed in 2026-2030 to be on track with global net-zero by 2050.

Why is our Energy Efficiency work important in India?

India is a powerhouse of clean energy solutions and a leader in energy efficiency. From 2015 to 2020, India reduced its energy intensity by an average of 2.3% per year, outpacing the global average. However, this falls short of the global improvements rates needed until 2030 to achieve SDG 7.3 (3.4%) and global Net-Zero by 2050 (4%).

Decline in Energy Intensity (1990–2022)

Further expediting energy efficiency improvements is essential for India to decarbonize its economy. With electricity demand expected to reach 260 GW this year, a 7% increase from 2023, India is also pursuing an ambitious goal of integrating 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The country is also committed to the global goal of doubling the energy efficiency improvement rate by 2030.

Meeting these demands will require increased efficiency in end-use sectors and demand flexibility to ensure a low-carbon, reliable power supply. Clean energy investment in India has surged in recent years, reaching USD 68 billion in 2023—nearly a 40% increase from the 2016-2020 average, with almost half allocated to low-emissions power generation

India Clean Energy Investment

$68 bn

in 2023

~40%

increase vs.

2016-2020

However, to align with the IEA's Net-Zero by 2050 scenario, India must significantly boost its investments in energy end-use, from approximately USD 20 billion in 2024 to USD 78 billion annually from 2026 to 2030. Enhancing energy efficiency delivers widespread benefits for people.

India’s Investment Leap in End-use for a Net-Zero Future

It provides higher comfort within households, boosts competitiveness for businesses, makes cities more livable with cleaner transport and better air quality, and ensures more power for essential services like hospitals and schools. Energy-efficient lives enhance citizens' empowerment, satisfaction, pride, and living standards. India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) emphasizes energy efficiency as a vital component of environmentally conscious lifestyles, resource preservation, and climate targets.

What We Do?

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

DEMAND FLEXIBILITY

SUSTAINABLE COOLING

How we work

Explore More Activities

Elevate

Bring energy efficiency to a strategic national and public focus by crafting compelling narratives and convening influential champions across sectors.

Enable India’s effort on doubling energy efficiency through practical tools, technical expertise, and fostering strong sub-national partnerships.

Unlock capital into India’s energy efficiency projects via structured energy marketplaces, innovating financing mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate risk.