Every year on May 11, India celebrates National Technology Day to commemorate the nation’s technological strides. The date was chosen to honour the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998, which demonstrated India’s scientific and technical capabilities. In addition, the successful test flight of Hansa-3, India’s first indigenous aircraft, and the test firing of the Trishul missile showcased innovation capabilities across the defence and civil aviation sectors.
Declared by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, the day has since evolved into a platform to highlight India’s achievements in science, engineering, and innovation. The 2026 theme, “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth”, emphasises that technology must not only advance but also uplift society equitably. Within this framework, clean energy emerges as a cornerstone- linking sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. This Day is more than a commemoration–it is a call for action. Its importance lies in recognizing scientists and innovators for their achievements in critical sectors like space, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure.
It encourages youth to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, thereby strengthening India’s innovation stream. It showcases the country’s policy priorities, such as self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India etc.). It positions India globally as a leader in clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing , and ar tif icial intelligence. By linking technology to inclusive growth , the day emphasises that innovation must serve social equity, environmental sustainability, and national resilience. Inclusive growth refers to economic progress that is broad-based, equitable, and sustainable.
It ensures that the benefits of development reach all sections of society, especially marginalised groups. Key benefits include reducing disparities in income, gender, minorities, and regional development; ensuring affordable access to education, healthcare, and technology; ensuring affordable access to education, healthcare, and te chnology; empowering communities to contribute to and benefit from growth, and aligning economic progress with environmental protection. Clean energy refers to energy derived from sources that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions and minimise environmental harm.
It includes solar power (photovoltaic and thermal), wind energy (onshore and offshore), hydropower (large dams and micro-hydro), geothermal energy, biomass and biofuels, and green hydrogen (produced via renewable-powered electrolysis of water) Clean energy differs fundamentally from fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants. It is central to combating climate change and achieving sustainable development. Clean Energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change; cuts air pollution, lowering respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; diversifies sources, reduces dependence on imported oil and coal, facilitates ‘Energy Security’ effor ts, and creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable systems. Decentralized systems (like rooftop solar) provide power during disasters. Globally renewables accounted for nearly 30 per cent of electricity generation in 2025, with solar and wind contributing in a major way.
China dominates solar manufacturing and deployment, while Europe leads in offshore wind. The United States is investing heavily in green hydrogen and battery storage. India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. Africa is emerging as a solar frontier, exploiting abundant sunlight for decentralised electrification. Despite progress, fossil fuels still supply over 60 per cent of global energy, highlighting the scale of transition required. The future of clean energy needs to be shaped by innovation and policy. Green Hydrogen is seen as the “fuel of the future.” Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (led by India) are required to foster global collaboration in transition to clean energy.
Policies must ensure workers in fossil fuel industries are retrained and communities supported as we increase use of renewable energy. Solar and wind depend on weather so power generation from them is intermittent, requiring robust battery storage. Transmission lines, smart grids, and charging networks should not lag behind demand. Shifts in government priorities can stall projects. Mining for lithium, cobalt, and rare earths for batteries raises environmental and ethical concerns. Developing nations face financing hurdles affecting the clean energy transition. Land acquisition, ecological concerns, and local opposition can delay projects. Fresh water for production of hydrogen is scarce, so seawater electrolysis needs to be adopted.
National Technology Day 2026, with its theme “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth – Clean Energy”, reminds us that technology must be both transformational and sustainable. Clean energy embodies this dual mandate: it reduces emissions, fosters innovation, and creates jobs, but must be deployed inclusively to avoid deepening inequalities. India’s journey – from Pokhran-II to solar parks and hydrogen missions – illustrates how technology can redefine national destiny. Yet, the global community must confront challenges of intermittency, infrastructure, and equity. The future lies in collaborative innovation, where nations, industries, and communities work together to ensure that clean energy is not just a technological triumph but a humanitarian one.
(The writer is a retired Scientist, CSIR.)