China’s Renewable Energy Push Influences Indian Conglomerates

Global renewable energy adoption reached a milestone in 2024, providing 40.9% of electricity generation, the highest since the 1940s. 
 
Solar power led the way, adding 474 terawatt-hour for the 20th consecutive year, while the US and EU invested heavily in reshoring clean energy supply chains.
 
 
Brazil and Germany expanded bioenergy and offshore wind, Africa emerged as a new frontier, and China reinforced its dominance through large-scale investments in solar and nuclear energy.
 
India, ranked 4th in global renewable capacity (IRENA), is witnessing its largest conglomerates align with this trend. 
 
Reliance Industries Ltd has announced investments of ₹75,000 crore (~$9 billion) to establish four giga factories in Jamnagar, producing solar panels, batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. 
 
This initiative supports its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.

Similarly, the Adani Group plans to invest $100 billion to scale its renewable capacity to 100 GigaWatt by 2030, anchored by the world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda, in Gujarat. 
 
China’s leadership in manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries is shaping these strategies, offering cost efficiency and speed.
 
However, while Indian firms benefit from China’s expertise, policymakers stress the need to build domestic manufacturing capacity under Make-in-India, ensuring long-term energy security and reduced reliance on imports.