Massive $14.23 Trillion Power Investment Required for India's Net-Zero Future by 2070
A landmark report from Niti Aayog has revealed that India will need cumulative investments totaling a staggering $14.23 trillion in its power sector by the year 2070 to achieve a net-zero emissions scenario. This comprehensive investment will encompass renewable energy, storage infrastructure, and transmission networks, fundamentally transforming the nation's energy landscape.
Renewables to Dominate with 98% Share in Generation
The report, titled "Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero: Sectoral Insights – Power," underscores that under this ambitious net-zero pathway, non-fossil fuel-based power generation will account for an overwhelming 98% of India's electricity mix. This shift highlights the critical role of clean energy in aligning with both development goals and climate commitments.
India's progress is already evident, with nearly 258 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity installed by December 2025, positioning the country as the world's fourth-largest renewable energy market. This rapid expansion reflects the accelerating pace of clean energy adoption across the nation.
Electricity Demand Set to Skyrocket Due to Multiple Factors
The Niti Aayog analysis warns that the next phase of growth will be markedly more complex, driven by a sharp surge in electricity demand. Key factors fueling this increase include rapid urbanization, rising cooling needs, widespread digitalization, the expansion of electric mobility, and the production of green hydrogen.
As a result, electricity's share in final energy consumption is projected to leap from 21% in 2025 to nearly 60% under the Net Zero Scenario by 2070. Per-capita electricity consumption is expected to skyrocket from approximately 1,400 kilowatt-hours in 2025 to between 7,000 and 10,000 kilowatt-hours by 2070, approaching levels seen in advanced economies like France and South Korea.
Solar and Wind to Form the Backbone of Power Capacity
By 2070, total installed power capacity is projected to be 14 times current levels under the net-zero pathway, with renewable energy accounting for about 90–93% of capacity. Solar power is set to become the backbone of the system, with capacity reaching an impressive 3,250–5,500 gigawatts.
Onshore wind is expected to exceed 1,000 gigawatts, complemented by 50–70 gigawatts of offshore wind. To support this variable renewable output, battery storage is projected to expand to as much as 3,000 gigawatts by 2070, while pumped hydro storage could reach around 160 gigawatts.
Nuclear power is also identified as a strategic pillar, scaling up from 8.8 gigawatts in 2025 to over 300 gigawatts by 2070 to provide firm, low-carbon power.
Transport Decarbonization and Critical Minerals Essential for Transition
Niti Aayog further emphasized the necessity of decarbonizing the transport sector through modal shifts, zero-emission vehicles, and clean fuels to meet the Net Zero 2070 target. The think tank estimates cumulative investments of about $4.3 trillion in transport by 2070 under the net-zero pathway.
The report also stressed the importance of strengthening domestic exploration and mining of critical minerals, building research and development capabilities, and diversifying international supply chains to reduce import dependence. Supply security will depend on aligning demand growth, domestic capacity creation, global engagement, and innovation over time.
Overall, the report concludes that India's development and climate ambitions increasingly hinge on electricity. As the country moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero 2070, reliable, affordable, and cleaner electricity will be central to inclusive and sustainable growth.
