CMD, IREDA Highlights India’s Solar Leadership at World Economic Forum

**Executive Summary** The document reports on Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA, participating in a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos 2026, themed “Scaling Solar Where It Matters: India's Lessons on Rooftop, Agriculture and Decentralized Energy for the Global South.” The session highlighted India's leadership in solar energy and decentralized renewable energy's potential to reduce subsidies, AT&C losses, and improve affordability. Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon'ble Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, also delivered the keynote address at the forum. The entry date for this information is January 21, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **India's Solar Leadership:** * India's experiences and leadership in advancing solar energy solutions were highlighted. * India's global leadership in distributed solar energy and its relevance for emerging economies were underscored. * **Decentralized Renewable Energy:** * Adopting decentralized renewable energy can enhance efficiency, reduce subsidies, AT&C losses, and improve affordability. * **IREDA's Role and Performance:** * IREDA's effective project design and prudent risk management have significantly de-risked emerging renewable energy segments. * IREDA has a low cumulative write-off of ₹149 crore over 38+ years, despite financing ₹1.81 lakh crore since inception. * IREDA finances 70-80% of project costs under Rooftop Solar and PM-KUSUM schemes in aggregator mode. * **Renewable Energy Transition:** * The forum provided an opportunity to underline IREDA's pivotal role in steering India's renewable energy transition. * India's experience and institutional framework can serve as valuable learning for other nations. * **Agricultural Solarisation:** * The need to build an enabling ecosystem that de-risks the sector and attracts patient global capital was stressed, citing Maharashtra's progress in agricultural solarisation. **Impact Analysis** **IREDA** * **Impact:** Highlighted as a key player in driving India's renewable energy growth and transition. Benefits from increased visibility and recognition on a global platform. * **Action Required:** Continue to promote and support decentralized renewable energy projects, maintain effective risk management practices, and share India's experiences and institutional framework with other nations. **Government (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)** * **Impact:** Opportunity to showcase India's leadership and achievements in the solar energy sector and promote the adoption of decentralized renewable energy solutions. * **Action Required:** Continue to develop and implement policies and programs that support the growth of the renewable energy sector, address challenges, and attract investment. **Emerging Economies** * **Impact:** Can learn from India's experiences and institutional framework in the renewable energy sector. * **Action Required:** Adapt and implement successful strategies from India's renewable energy journey to pursue their own sustainable development goals. **Investors** * **Impact:** Increased confidence in the renewable energy sector due to the de-risking efforts highlighted by IREDA, which makes the sector more attractive for global capital. * **Action Required:** Consider investing in India's renewable energy sector, particularly in decentralized solar projects, which are now perceived as less risky and more sustainable. **Rural Communities in India** * **Impact:** Increased access to clean energy through IREDA's financing of projects under Rooftop Solar and PM-KUSUM schemes. * **Action Required:** Engage with local energy providers and government initiatives to participate in and benefit from the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

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