WEF: India Emerging as Global Electro-Tech Manufacturing Hub

On 26th March 2026, a report by the World Economic Forum has highlighted that India is positioning itself as a global electro-tech manufacturing hub, leveraging clean energy to achieve energy sovereignty and sustainable industrial growth.

Key Points

New Development Model:
- India is industrialising using low-cost solar power and batteries.
- Skipping the fossil fuel-heavy growth path followed by the West and China.
Energy Transition Progress:
- ~9% of electricity from solar (2025).
- Coal use per capita far lower than China.
- Approaching peak coal generation.
Oil Consumption Trends:
- Road oil demand: ~96 litres per capita (about half of China).
- Expected to stabilise with shift to electrification.
Electric Mobility Growth:
- EVs nearing 5% of car sales.
- India leads globally in electric three-wheelers (~60% market share).
Rising Electrification:
- Electricity accounts for ~20% of final energy consumption.
- Comparable to China at similar income levels.
Cost Advantage:
- Solar + storage now ~50% cheaper than new coal power.
- Marks a structural shift in energy economics.
Manufacturing Boom:
- Electronics industry grew nearly 6× to $130 billion.
- Acts as a foundation for electro-tech ecosystem.
Solar & Battery Capacity:
- Solar module production expanded 12× to 120 GW.
- Solar cell manufacturing reached 18 GW.
- Rapid growth in battery and EV manufacturing.
Strategic Positioning:
- India emerging as a global supplier of electro-tech products.
- Other emerging economies closely observing this model.