Nearly 90% of India’s planned renewable energy capacity could face high or critical climate risks by 2030, underlining the need to make climate resilience a core part of the country’s clean energy transition, according to the latest Sustainability and Climate Pulse report released by Uniqus Consultech.
The report estimates that around 239 GW of planned solar, wind and hydropower projects across multiple States and Union Territories are exposed to increasing risks from floods, extreme heat, storms and other climate-related events.
Collectively, these projects represent more than ₹4 lakh crore worth of assets that could face climate-related disruptions if resilience measures are not integrated into project planning.
Climate resilience can reduce future losses
The report says investing just 2% of total project costs in climate-resilient infrastructure and design could help avoid up to $28 billion in future losses, making resilience investments economically attractive alongside renewable energy deployment.
According to the analysis, India’s green transition has entered a critical phase where protecting clean energy assets from climate impacts is becoming as important as expanding renewable energy capacity itself.
Resilience must become a strategic priority
Uniqus Consultech Partner and Global Head, Sustainability & Climate Consulting, Anu Chaudhary said India’s sustainability journey is entering a new phase.
“The focus is no longer only on building renewable capacity but on ensuring that critical infrastructure is resilient to the very climate risks it is designed to address. Climate resilience must move from being a project-level consideration to a boardroom and investment priority for developers, investors and policymakers to safeguard India’s clean energy transition and strengthen long-term energy security,” she said.
Biodiversity initiatives gather pace
The report also highlights progress in India’s biodiversity conservation efforts through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework.
Since its launch in 2008, the framework has mobilised more than ₹266 crore, of which around ₹145 crore has been distributed to local communities and beneficiaries, including ₹78 crore during FY26.
The initiative has benefited over 10,500 Biodiversity Management Committees across 23 States and four Union Territories, more than 230 farmers, six State Forest Departments and several research institutions.
According to the report, the ABS framework supports biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, preservation of traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihood initiatives while advancing India’s commitments under global biodiversity agreements.
Global sustainability rules tighten
The publication notes that sustainability regulations are becoming more stringent across major global markets.
Multilateral development banks collectively deployed a record $163 billion in climate finance during 2025, reflecting growing investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and low-carbon development. The report says businesses aligned with these priorities could benefit from emerging opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green transportation.
It also highlights the proposed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, which shifts companies from one-time climate commitments towards continuous, assurance-based climate accountability through annual reporting, stronger board oversight and closer integration with business strategy.