In Short : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, a 1994-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Formerly the Director General of Foreign Trade, Sarangi brings vast administrative experience. His leadership is expected to accelerate India’s clean energy goals, including 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, and drive key renewable initiatives forward.
In Detail : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, a senior IAS officer of the 1994 batch from the Odisha cadre, has officially taken over as the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He assumed this position following the retirement of Bhupinder Singh Bhalla on September 30, 2024. Sarangi was recently empaneled for the Secretary rank by the Government of India.
Before joining MNRE, Sarangi held several key roles in the Indian administrative framework. Most notably, he served as the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), where he played an instrumental role in shaping trade policy and boosting India’s export landscape. His wide-ranging experience in policy-making and execution is expected to benefit the renewable energy sector significantly.
In his new role, Sarangi is tasked with guiding India’s ambitious renewable energy mission. The MNRE is currently focused on expanding solar, wind, and bioenergy capacities to help the country meet its target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. His leadership is anticipated to accelerate progress in these areas.
One of his key responsibilities will be to ensure seamless coordination between central and state agencies, public sector undertakings, and private players in the renewable energy ecosystem. As MNRE continues to roll out large-scale initiatives, his experience in trade and governance could facilitate more effective implementation of green energy policies.
Sarangi is also expected to lead the ministry in fostering innovation and encouraging investments in emerging clean technologies. This includes advancing energy storage systems, green hydrogen, offshore wind, and distributed renewable energy solutions. His vision will be crucial in shaping the next phase of India’s energy transition.
With global attention on sustainable development and climate action, Sarangi’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for India. His stewardship of the MNRE will be vital in ensuring that the country not only meets its energy goals but also sets a global example in renewable energy leadership.
