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Private Sector Must Triple Investments in DRE to Drive Future Growth and Job Creation, Says Ashish Khanna at SAFDE 2025 – EQ

Private Sector Must Triple Investments in DRE to Drive Future Growth and Job Creation, Says Ashish Khanna at SAFDE 2025 – EQ

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In Short : At SAFDE 2025, ISA chief Ashish Khanna urged the private sector to triple investments in distributed renewable energy (DRE) to drive growth and job creation. With a $53 billion market potential, DRE could generate 35 million green jobs by 2047. A hybrid energy model and supportive policies were emphasized to boost access, innovation, and climate resilience.

In Detail : At the South Asia Forum for Distributed Energy (SAFDE) 2025, organized by GOGLA with support from Good Energies and the IKEA Foundation, key global clean energy leaders highlighted the urgent need to accelerate investments in distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions. The forum, held today in New Delhi, saw over 300 delegates from India and South Asia, including government officials, policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, and industry experts, all gathering to discuss the future of DRE.

Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), emphasized the need for private sector investments to fuel technological innovation in DRE. He noted that while the government should focus on policy development and financing solutions, the private sector must lead the charge in driving affordable, sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities.

According to GOGLA, a $53 billion market opportunity exists in India alone for DRE. If fully realized, this opportunity could create up to 35 million green jobs by 2047 and bring substantial benefits through technologies like solar irrigation, cooling systems, and clean mobility.

The adoption of DRE solutions is also expected to reduce 0.2 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030. GOGLA’s affiliates reported that more than 768,000 off-grid solar products were sold across South Asia in 2023, while India’s DRE sector generated over 80,000 jobs between 2019 and 2021.

Sarah Malm, Executive Director of GOGLA, shared, “Distributed renewable energy is reshaping economies, improving climate resilience, and delivering sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing AI and digital technologies, we can boost efficiency, expand access, and solidify our leadership in clean energy innovation.”

At the forum, GOGLA also unveiled a new study exploring how off-grid technologies can enhance the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of grid-based systems. The study advocates for a collaborative model that integrates both grid and off-grid systems, improving access and reducing costs while fostering innovation.

Speakers such as Harish Hande, CEO of SELCO Foundation, and Ronald Mekata, Managing Director of the Energy Authority of Papua New Guinea, shared valuable cross-border insights on DRE implementation and innovation.

SAFDE 2025 underscored India’s critical role in shaping the global conversation around decentralized renewable energy. As countries pursue community-driven, climate-conscious solutions, the event reaffirmed the growing momentum of the DRE sector. Realizing its full potential will require strategic public-private partnerships, grassroots entrepreneurship, and targeted financing mechanisms.

The South Asia Forum for Distributed Energy (SAFDE) serves as a regional platform for DRE dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. The 2025 edition focused on integrating decentralized energy into the grid, supporting energy use in agriculture and small businesses, and fostering climate adaptation through renewable energy systems.

Anand Gupta Editor - EQ Int'l Media Network