The United Nations has welcomed India’s approval of the 1.86 lakh crore rupee Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III), describing the grid strengthening and battery storage scheme as a major step that will deliver “big dividends” for the country’s people and economy. In a statement to a news agency, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said the initiative would help India harness its growing renewable energy capacity, meet rising electricity needs and further strengthen its position as a global leader in solar energy.

He said the scheme would help integrate renewable energy into India’s power system while supporting economic growth. Stiell also highlighted the strategic importance of battery storage for large economies such as India, particularly in the context of energy security and economic growth.

The UN official further said that stronger electricity grids and battery storage infrastructure could generate employment across manufacturing, construction and energy storage as the global transition towards renewable energy and clean technologies accelerates. The Union Cabinet has approved GEC-III with a total outlay of one lakh eighty-six thousand four hundred five crore rupees, including fifty-four thousand eighty-two crore rupees in Central Financial Assistance, to strengthen intra-State transmission systems and support deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems.