A Circular Clean-Tech Manufacturing

Since India is still building its clean energy manufacturing base, the country has a unique opportunity to embed circularity from the start

- RISHABH JAIN AKANKSHA TYAGI

THIS WORLD ENVIRONMENT Day, India stands at a pivotal moment. As a populous, fast-growing, and climate-vulnerable nation, we must find ways to meet soaring energy demand, reduce emissions, and secure economic future — all at once. A rapid transition to clean energy is non-negotiable if we are to meet our 2030 climate targets and achieve net-zero by 2070. Yet, our clean energy ambitions currently depend heavily on imported raw materials and components for solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles.

By 2047, India can aspire to be the largest green economy — market-driven, job-rich, and low-carbon — by scaling up clean-tech manufacturing and raising its GDP share from 14% to 22-25%. But this growth must be environmentally sustainable. Localising clean energy manufacturing with a circular economy offers a powerful opportunity: to reduce supply chain risks and environmental impact, create green jobs, and build resilience. A green, circular "Make in India" is not just an industrial imperative; it is a climate and development strategy fit for the 21st century.