India's Renewable Energy Surge: Strategic Partnerships Power Clean Energy Expansion

India's renewable energy infrastructure is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by a confluence of ambitious government policies, corporate sustainability goals, and strategic partnerships. At the forefront of this shift is the recent collaboration between Adani Energy Solutions and RSWM Limited, a deal that exemplifies how private-sector alliances are accelerating India's transition to clean energy. With the country now boasting 257 GW of renewable energy capacity-nearly triple its 2014 levels, according to Pralhad Joshi-the role of partnerships in scaling infrastructure cannot be overstated.

Adani-RSWM: A Case Study in Corporate-Driven Renewables

The partnership between Adani Energy Solutions and RSWM underscores the growing trend of industrial consumers securing long-term renewable energy supplies. Through subsidiaries of Adani Green Energy Limited, RSWM has secured 60 MW of solar-wind hybrid power, with a minimum 26% equity stake to comply with captive power regulations, as detailed in RSWM Forges Green Energy Partnerships. Additionally, RSWM signed a separate 25 MW agreement via Powerpulse Trading Solutions, another Adani subsidiary, as reported by RSWM Partners with Adani Green Subsidiary. These deals not only reduce RSWM's carbon footprint but also align with India's Group Captive Scheme, which allows industrial consumers to source renewable energy directly from developers.

This model is gaining traction. By 2025, industrial and commercial consumers accounted for 77% of clean energy investments in India, according to Brookfield's $12 billion investment, reflecting a strategic shift toward cost-competitive, emissions-reducing solutions. For Adani, the partnership expands its footprint in transmission and distribution through newly formed subsidiaries like Adani Energy Solutions incorporates AESSTL, which are poised to play a critical role in India's energy transition.

Government Policies: The Enablers of Growth

India's renewable energy boom is underpinned by a robust policy framework. The government's Panchamrit framework, introduced at COP26, aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, as noted in the Blueleaf, BII $75M agreement, a target now within reach after achieving 235.7 GW of installed capacity by mid-2025. Policies such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have further catalyzed growth, with solar manufacturing capacity hitting 116 GW by October 2025, according to India adds 30 GW solar.

Regulatory innovations are also addressing sectoral bottlenecks. The waiver of inter-state transmission charges for energy storage and green hydrogen projects, and viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems (BESSs), have been highlighted in Mercom India reports, mitigating intermittency risks. Meanwhile, Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and penalties for non-compliance under the Energy Conservation Act are ensuring demand-side certainty for developers.

A Surge in Strategic Alliances

Beyond Adani-RSWM, India's renewable sector has seen a wave of high-profile partnerships. Brookfield Asset Management's $12 billion commitment to Andhra Pradesh's renewable energy initiatives underscores international confidence in India's market. Similarly, joint ventures like Radiance Renewables and the UK's Private Infrastructure Development Group are unlocking greenfield solar and wind projects, while Tata Power and NTPC Green Energy are scaling domestic capacity, as examined by NREL on renewable integration.

These collaborations are not merely financial-they are structural. Special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) and compliance with FEMA and the Electricity Act, 2003, ensure long-term operational viability. For instance, the Brookfield-Andhra Pradesh deal integrates green hydrogen and manufacturing, aligning with India's "Make in India" agenda.

Quantifying the Momentum

India's renewable energy capacity grew from 81 GW in 2014 to 257 GW in 2025, according to The Economic Times, with solar power surging from 2.8 GW to 128 GW. The country added 28 GW of non-fossil capacity in FY 2025–26, as reported in a PIB press release, driven by record auction volumes and streamlined permitting for pumped storage projects. Investments have mirrored this growth: $11.8 billion flowed into clean energy in H1 2025 alone, with solar accounting for 77% of inflows.

However, challenges persist. Over one-third of the renewable pipeline lacks signed power purchase agreements, and upstream manufacturing delays-particularly in polysilicon and wafer production-threaten 2030 capacity targets. Yet, the government's push for direct PPAs with stranded projects and its focus on domestic manufacturing via PLI schemes signal a commitment to overcoming these hurdles.

The Investment Outlook

For investors, India's renewable sector offers a compelling mix of policy tailwinds, scalable infrastructure, and corporate demand. Strategic partnerships like Adani-RSWM demonstrate the viability of corporate-backed renewables, while Brookfield's Andhra Pradesh investment underscores global appetite for India's clean energy story. With the government targeting 50% renewable energy in total power requirements by 2030, the sector is poised for sustained growth-provided bottlenecks in financing and transmission are addressed.

As India races toward its 500 GW non-fossil target, the synergy between corporate strategy and government policy will remain central. For now, the data is clear: India's renewable energy revolution is not just a vision-it is a reality being built through partnerships, policy, and perseverance.