The Union Budget 2025 has sent ripples of optimism and caution through India’s energy sector, with industry leaders lauding the government’s ambitious plans while also calling for more aggressive execution. The budget’s emphasis on renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative has set a clear trajectory for India’s clean energy transition.
The budget’s allocation of ₹1.5 lakh crore for state capital expenditure and ₹10 lakh crore for new projects under the Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 has been particularly well-received. Mr. Sameer Gupta, Chairman of Jakson Group, sees this as a strategic move to strengthen India’s core sectors, noting that it promises significant enhancements in energy and infrastructure capabilities. Gupta also highlights the budget’s alignment with industry needs for sustainable development, particularly in solar energy and biofuels. The new manufacturing mission under ‘Make in India’ is seen as a defining step toward building India’s self-sufficiency in solar, hydrogen, and storage technologies.
Mr. N.P. Ramesh, COO & Co-Founder of Orb Energy, applauds the National Manufacturing Mission, which aims to accelerate domestic production of solar cells/panels and EV storage batteries. Ramesh views this as a way to ensure that India not only strengthens its ‘Make in India’ vision but also becomes a key player in global supply chains. The reduction of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on lithium batteries is seen as a welcome step, as storage is crucial for increased adoption of renewable energy. Ramesh also highlights the focus on Industry 4.0, opening up exciting opportunities for innovation and a sustainable future.
Tanmoy Duari, CEO of AXITEC Energy India Pvt. Ltd., praises the budget’s support for India’s clean energy transition, particularly through the National Manufacturing Mission. Duari notes that the government’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for manufacturing EV batteries, solar PV cells, electrolyzers, and grid-scale batteries is a crucial step toward strengthening India’s energy security while supporting sustainable growth. The announcement of a Nuclear Energy Mission, with a dedicated ₹20,000 crore outlay for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), reflects a forward-thinking approach to meeting India’s energy needs.
Neerav Nanavaty, CEO of BluPine Energy, describes the budget as laying out a bold and pragmatic roadmap for India’s clean energy future. Nanavaty emphasizes the focus on boosting domestic manufacturing of EV batteries, solar panels, and other clean tech components, which will strengthen supply chains and reduce import dependencies. Power sector reforms, particularly incentives for distribution companies and intra-state transmission upgrades, are expected to improve grid efficiency and financial viability.
Dr. Miniya Chatterji, CEO of Sustain Labs Paris, views the budget as a good step towards a greener and more self-reliant India. Chatterji highlights the prioritization of domestic production of solar PV cells, wind turbine generators, and other clean energy technologies under the National Manufacturing Mission. The push towards sustainable farming practices with Prime Minister Krishi Yojana is seen as a potential solution to mitigate India’s environmental challenges. The target of 100 GW nuclear energy by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission further accelerates the country’s transition to net zero.
Mr. Praveen Kakulte, CEO of Powercon Group, sees the budget as a crucial turning point in advancing India’s clean energy goals. Kakulte emphasizes the focus on capacity building through the National Centers of Excellence for Skilling, which is vital to equipping the nation with the specialized skills needed to build advanced power plants and optimize energy extraction.
AK Tyagi, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of Nuberg Engineering Ltd., highlights the ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission (100 GW by 2047) and the 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030, reinforcing India’s green future. Increased incentives for green energy, MSME solarization, and domestic manufacturing will boost industries and job creation. The budget’s emphasis on hydrogen as a clean fuel aligns with India’s energy strategy.
Mr. Aniruddh Aggarwal, Chief Strategy Officer of Airox, views the announcement of the National Manufacturing Mission and the exemption of customs duties on lithium-ion battery manufacturing as a transformative step for India’s clean energy sector. Expanding domestic manufacturing of EV batteries, electrolyzers, and solar PV cells strengthens the nation’s self-reliance in sustainable energy solutions.
Mr. Dhiman Roy, CEO and Director of GreenH Electrolysis Pvt. Ltd., appreciates the support for clean tech manufacturing, including domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers under the National Manufacturing Mission. The easing of import duties on critical minerals is