India’s remarkable solar energy transformation could serve as a blueprint for other emerging economies seeking rapid growth without increasing carbon emissions, according to a report by Yale E360 cited by Grist.
A vast expanse of solar panels is rapidly transforming the white salt deserts of Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch into one of the world’s biggest renewable energy hubs.
Spread across nearly 280 square miles near the India-Pakistan border, the Khavda Solar Park is expected to become the world’s largest solar power project by 2029.
Key facts about the project:
India’s installed solar capacity has been growing at around 40 percent annually and crossed 150 gigawatts in March 2026.
By 2030 India is expected to double that capacity again as it seeks to meet soaring electricity demand while cutting reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy analysts believe India could become the first major economy to industrialise primarily using solar power instead of coal.
According to Kingsmill Bond energy strategist at UK-based think tank Ember India is taking a fundamentally different path from China and Western nations which built their economies largely on fossil fuels.
“China built on coal; India is building on sun,” Bond said adding that India’s model could inspire other emerging economies seeking rapid growth without sharply increasing carbon emissions.
India’s rapid solar expansion marks a dramatic shift from its position just a decade ago when solar power played only a limited role in the country’s energy mix.
Key milestones in India’s energy transition:
Falling solar panel prices and India’s naturally sunny climate gradually altered the country’s energy strategy since the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA):
Nearly half of India’s additional electricity demand between now and 2030 is expected to be met through solar energy with another quarter from other low-carbon sources including wind hydroelectric and nuclear power.

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