SAFDE 2025: Driving India’s USD 53 Billion DRE Opportunity and 35 Million Jobs

The South Asia Forum for Distributed Energy (SAFDE) 2025 brought together over 300 delegates from across South Asia to accelerate momentum in the distributed renewable energy (DRE) sector.

The two-day event (April 8–9) held in New Delhi, organised by GOGLA with support from Good Energies and the IKEA Foundation, spotlighted the rising impact of the DRE sector on energy access, climate resilience, and green job creation.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), emphasised the urgent need to boost private sector investments to fully unlock the DRE opportunity. He said, "We need to enable private sector investments in driving technology and innovation for DRE while the government focuses on developing the policy and regulatory framework and results-based financing to make these solutions affordable for the poor.”

GOGLA shared new insights revealing that India’s DRE market is valued at USD 53 billion, with the potential to generate 35 million green jobs by 2047. The sector supports productive-use technologies such as solar irrigation, clean mobility, and cooling systems that directly uplift livelihoods and local economies.

Between 2019 and 2021, India’s DRE sector generated over 80,000 jobs, and in 2023, GOGLA affiliates sold more than 768,000 off-grid solar products across South Asia. The sector is also projected to mitigate 0.2 million tonnes of CO₂e emissions by 2030.

A highlight of SAFDE 2025 was the pre-launch of a GOGLA study exploring how off-grid technologies can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of grid-based systems. The study presents a win-win model for the private sector and DISCOMs, outlining how integrated approaches can reduce costs, accelerate access, and stimulate innovation across the energy ecosystem.

“Distributed renewable energy is bringing change and transforming the energy landscape today, powering local economies, enhancing climate resilience and driving sustainable solutions,” said Sarah Malm, Executive Director, GOGLA.

She said, “By integrating AI and digital platforms, we can optimise efficiency, expand access, and position ourselves as global leaders in clean energy innovation.”

The forum also featured insights from Harish Hande, Chief Executive of the SELCO Foundation, and Ronald Mekata, Managing Director of the Energy Authority of Papua New Guinea, who shared experiences on scaling DRE innovation and fostering inclusive energy solutions in diverse contexts.

SAFDE 2025 reaffirmed India’s global leadership in decentralised clean energy, as countries around the world seek community-first, climate-smart solutions to meet growing energy demand. Achieving the full potential of DRE will require concerted efforts through public-private partnerships, grassroots innovation, and targeted financing mechanisms.

The event concluded with a shared vision of empowering communities, strengthening the clean energy ecosystem, and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.