From Fossil Fuels to Smart, Decentralized, AI-Driven Systems: India at the Crossroads of Energy Transformation
India is undergoing one of the world’s fastest energy transitions. The government has set an ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil (mostly solar and wind) capacity by 2030. In FY2024–25 alone, India added approximately 30 GW of renewable capacity – roughly the equivalent of adding a new India-sized grid – bringing total renewable energy to about 220.1 GW by March 2025.
This growth is not just about installing more panels or turbines; it’s about building a smarter, more responsive grid that uses data and AI to balance supply, demand, and storage. VoltBrew believes this transformation will be driven by millions of empowered households and businesses—prosumers—not just big power companies. Local users with rooftop solar and batteries, connected by intelligent platforms, can collectively smooth out peaks and integrate renewables efficiently.
2024 Recap: A Year of Growth and Innovation
India’s renewable push accelerated sharply in 2024, adding a record 30 GW of new renewable power, mostly solar. This was enabled by a combination of policy and market actions:
• Government Rooftop Solar Programs
The PM Surya Ghar (Muft Bijli) Yojana launched in early 2024, offering 40–60% capital subsidy on systems up to 3 kW for households. The first tranche targeted 1 crore poor and middle-income homes. By December 2024, over 26 lakh applications were received and 6.3 lakh systems installed. The scheme alone is projected to add 30 GW of rooftop solar by 2030, doubling installations to ~11 GW in just one year.
• Private Solar + Storage Projects
New mandates required ~2 hours of battery storage in utility-scale and rooftop projects. In 2024, India tendered 7.8 GW of solar paired with 8.9 GWh of batteries. A landmark 2 GW solar/4 GWh battery project cleared at a tariff of ₹3.52/kWh. The government also expanded its storage subsidy scheme (VGF) by 30 GWh in 2025, enabling solar deployment and nighttime reliability.
• Grid Upgrades and Planning
To integrate more variable renewables, India is heavily investing in transmission infrastructure. The latest plan calls for 190,000 circuit-km of high-voltage lines and the addition of 47 GW of battery storage and 30 GW of pumped hydro by 2030. Distribution utilities are also installing smart meters and upgrading old lines. Experts estimate $68 billion per year is needed for clean-energy projects through 2030.
• Hybrid and RTC Projects
India is pioneering “round-the-clock” (RTC) renewable schemes by bundling solar, wind, and storage. As of early 2025, about 65 GW of hybrid projects were under planning or tender. These projects aim to deliver clean power day and night, making the grid more flexible and reducing the reliance on coal.
Green Hydrogen Push
India is betting big on green hydrogen to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like petroleum refining, fertilizer, and steel. The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023 with a goal of producing at least 5 million tonnes per year by 2030.
However, challenges remain. Developers cite inadequate subsidies, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory uncertainty. Many electrolyzer plants are awaiting grid and water approvals. VoltBrew’s planning tools support green hydrogen by modeling electricity prices, plant outputs, and policy variables to assess economic viability.
Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million tonnes/year by 2030 to decarbonize industries (e.g. steel, fertilizer).
However, green hydrogen projects are nascent. Developers report challenges: insufficient subsidies, inadequate infrastructure, and shifting regulations have slowed final investment decisions . For example, many planned electrolyzer plants are still awaiting grid connection and water supply approvals. VoltBrew’s planning tools aim to bridge these gaps. By modeling electricity price forecasts and plant outputs, VoltBrew helps companies test whether green H₂ makes economic sense under current power and policy conditions. In short, data-driven analysis will be crucial to convert hydrogen hype into reality.
Fossil Fuels Still Play a Role
Despite the renewable boom, coal and gas remain crucial for meeting peak and nighttime demand. India’s coal fleet totals 220.5 GW as of early 2025. Even as renewables grow, new coal plants are being added. In May 2024, peak demand hit 250 GW—far above current solar capacity.
VoltBrew’s AI tools help balance this mix by forecasting demand and prioritizing renewables, dispatching fossil plants only when needed. Homes and factories can schedule battery charging during midday solar peaks and discharge after sunset, minimizing reliance on polluting sources.
How VoltBrew Powers the Energy Shift
At VoltBrew, we are building the digital backbone for India’s decentralized energy future, combining AI, automation, and advanced analytics.
• AI-Driven Energy Platforms
VoltBrew forecasts solar output, load patterns, and battery availability using AI. Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) feature aggregates small rooftop systems to behave like one large grid asset—helping stabilize the grid and earn revenue for participants.
• Smart Grids, Smarter Insights
We partner with utilities to implement SCADA and Distribution Management Systems. Real-time monitoring, predictive fault detection, and Dynamic Line Rating improve grid reliability and reduce losses.
• Hydrogen, Backed by Data
VoltBrew enables industries to simulate hydrogen production scenarios based on location, tariffs, and carbon goals. Our tools help answer key questions like “build or buy,” ensuring informed green hydrogen decisions aligned with national policy.
What to Expect in 2025
• Stronger, Safer Infrastructure
India will accelerate grid expansion, investing ₹2,442 billion (~$30 billion) through 2030. Cybersecurity becomes crucial as IoT devices scale, and VoltBrew includes inbuilt security and compliance tools to protect energy data.
• Energy Security & Global Plans
With crude oil imports at 88.2% of demand in 2025, India is diversifying sources and building strategic reserves. LNG imports and new refineries are also on the rise. VoltBrew supports with forecasting and optimization tools to manage fuel mix shifts.
• Circular Energy and Sustainability
India is ramping up carbon capture at cement and steel plants and expanding waste-to-energy projects. VoltBrew’s emissions tracking tools help companies evaluate low-carbon scenarios and prepare for international carbon pricing.
The VoltBrew Way: Smart. Safe. Scalable.
We’re turning every rooftop and battery into an intelligent grid node. From a 2 kW solar home to a 200 MW microgrid, our solutions make energy systems smarter, more reliable, and fairer.
“This energy transition is about more than power — it’s about smart choices, fair access, and agile systems. We’re building that future — one smart solution at a time.”
Key Takeaways
- India is rapidly scaling toward 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
- Rooftop solar and green hydrogen are foundational to this transition.
- AI, data, and decentralization are essential enablers of this shift.
- VoltBrew provides the intelligent, local platforms that power this new era.
- 2025 will see growth in microgrids, smart grids, and clean industry initiatives.
Join VoltBrew in Powering India’s Energy Future
Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or utility — we have the expertise and tools to support your clean energy journey.