This revelation highlights a growing “ambition gap” between climate goals and real-world progress. While renewable capacity has expanded rapidly, fossil fuels still dominate global energy consumption. The study calls for urgent action—doubling renewable investments and significantly upgrading energy infrastructure—to stay on track for climate targets.

Current Reality: Renewables Growing, But Not Fast Enough

Globally, renewable energy capacity reached approximately 3,870 GW in 2023, marking a 128% increase over the past decade. Despite this impressive growth, renewables account for only about 14.6% of primary energy consumption, while fossil fuels still dominate at around 81%.

This imbalance underscores a key issue: growth in renewable capacity does not immediately translate into a proportional share in overall energy consumption. Rising global demand—driven by industrialization, population growth, and electrification—continues to sustain fossil fuel dependency.

• Current Growth Rate (5.48%)
  Renewables reach 50% share between 2047 and 2053, depending on demand growth.
• Accelerated Growth (11%)
  Doubling investment and deployment could bring the milestone forward to 2035–2037.
• Worst-Case Scenario
  If progress slows, renewables may not dominate until after 2074.

Notably, the study does not factor in rising electricity demand from AI technologies and data centers, which could further delay the transition.

India’s Tightrope: Growth vs Emissions

India stands at a unique crossroads. While its per capita emissions remain relatively low, its total emissions are rising due to rapid economic growth and industrialization.

Key Targets and Progress

• 485 GW Renewable Energy by 2030
  • 293 GW solar
  • 100 GW wind
• Current Capacity (FY25): ~220 GW clean energy
• Non-Fossil Share: ~50% of installed capacity

India has made significant progress, achieving half of its non-fossil capacity target ahead of schedule. However, the journey ahead remains complex.

Key Challenges

• Grid Infrastructure: Existing grids struggle to handle intermittent renewable supply.
• Energy Storage: India currently has only ~5 GW of battery storage capacity.
• Rural Electrification: Nearly 300 million people still require reliable energy access.

Balancing economic growth with emissions reduction is one of India’s biggest policy challenges.

Why Renewables Alone Are Not Enough

The IITM study emphasizes that renewable energy alone cannot achieve net-zero targets. A multi-pronged strategy is essential.

1. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Technologies that capture up to 90% of carbon emissions from fossil fuel use are crucial, especially for heavy industries. India has initiated pilot projects worth ₹80 crore.

2. Energy Storage Solutions

• Battery storage (target: 500 GWh)
• Green hydrogen for long-term storage

3. Energy Efficiency

Measures like LED adoption and electric vehicles (EVs) could reduce energy demand by up to 20%.

4. Smart Grids

Modern, flexible grids are necessary to manage the variability of solar and wind power.

Investment Imperative: Scale or Fail

The study highlights a massive global funding gap:

• Required Investment: $4 trillion annually
• Current Investment: Approximately half of the requirement

India’s Investment Needs

India alone requires around ₹25 lakh crore in renewable energy investments by 2030.

Despite challenges, there are positive signs:

• 29 GW of renewable capacity added in FY25
• Solar energy leading the growth trajectory

However, without sustained financial and policy support, these gains may not be enough.

Global Context: A Reality Check

Despite rapid growth, renewables still contribute only about 14% of global primary energy, while fossil fuels account for the majority of CO₂ emissions.

Diverging Projections

• International Renewable Energy Agency: Optimistic—90% renewable share by 2050
• International Energy Agency: More conservative outlook

India’s “Panchamrit” commitments—including 500 GW of non-fossil capacity—position it as a global leader, but execution remains key.

The Road Ahead: Policy and Technology Action Plan

For India

• Increase solar auctions to 50 GW annually
• Scale up green hydrogen production to 5 MMT
• Develop CCUS hubs with private sector participation

Global Priorities

• Strengthen international grid connectivity
• Expand subsidies for clean energy
• Accelerate technology transfer between nations

Conclusion

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras study delivers a stark warning: without immediate and large-scale action, the world risks missing its climate targets by decades.

Renewable energy is growing—but not fast enough to displace fossil fuels within the required timeframe. The path to net-zero demands not just ambition, but execution—through investments, innovation, and global cooperation.

The message is clear: the technology exists, but the urgency must match the scale of the challenge. The next decade will determine whether the world achieves its climate goals—or falls irreversibly behind.

FAQs

1. What does the IIT Madras study say about renewable energy timelines?

The study suggests that at current growth rates, renewables may only reach 50% of global energy consumption between 2047 and 2053, missing the 2050 net-zero target.

2. Why are fossil fuels still dominant despite renewable growth?

Fossil fuels continue to dominate due to rising global energy demand, infrastructure limitations, and slower-than-needed investment in renewables and storage technologies.

3. What are the biggest challenges for renewable energy adoption in India?

Key challenges include inadequate grid infrastructure, limited energy storage capacity, and the need to balance economic growth with emissions reduction.

4. How much investment is required to meet global climate targets?

Around $4 trillion per year is needed globally, which is nearly double the current investment levels.

5. Can renewable energy alone achieve net-zero emissions?

No, a combination of renewable energy, carbon capture technologies, energy storage, and efficiency improvements is necessary to achieve net-zero goals.

Anna University opened registrations on March 16, 2026 — later than usual — after a period of administrative delays linked to faculty protests at constituent colleges. The good news: the window was eventually set to close April 10, giving candidates nearly four weeks to apply. This guide covers everything you need — eligibility criteria, important dates, fees, exam pattern, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.

TANCET vs CEETA PG — what is the difference?

Both exams are conducted by Anna University on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, but they serve different programmes:

CEETA PG was introduced in 2023, replacing TANCET for postgraduate engineering and architecture admissions. TANCET continues to handle MBA and MCA admissions. Both exams share the same registration portal: tancet.annauniv.edu.

Eligibility criteria 2026

TANCET eligibility — MBA

• A recognised bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration in any discipline
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (general category) or 45% (SC/SCA/ST and reserved categories)
• Final-year undergraduate students can apply provisionally
• No age limit is specified by Anna University
• Candidates from other states can appear, but individual college eligibility conditions apply at admission stage

TANCET eligibility — MCA

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Mathematics as a subject at 10+2 or degree level
• Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories)

CEETA PG eligibility — M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Arch. / M.Plan.

Final-year students are eligible to apply for CEETA PG as well. Original certificates must be submitted at the time of admission.

Registration fee structure

Fees are paid online during registration. The fee is non-refundable once submitted. Verify on the official brochure as fees may change with the final notification.

How to apply — step-by-step guide

Exam pattern & syllabus highlights

TANCET exam pattern

Key TANCET MBA sections include Data Sufficiency, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Business Situations — the last of which tests analytical judgment through real-world business case scenarios.

CEETA PG exam pattern

Questions are set at undergraduate level. The detailed syllabus is available on tancet.annauniv.edu. If a candidate appears for a different Part III section than registered, that section will not be evaluated.

Preparation tips & best practices

• Start with previous year papers. Anna University’s exam style is consistent year to year. Practicing 3–5 years of question papers is one of the most effective strategies.
• Focus on Engineering Mathematics for CEETA PG. Parts I and II are common for all candidates and typically cover mathematics and aptitude — strong performers here can compensate for a weaker subject paper.
• Attempt mock tests in timed conditions. With only 2 hours for 100 questions, time management is critical. Practice averaging 72 seconds per question.
• Do not over-guess. The ¼ negative marking makes random guessing risky. Skip questions where you have less than 50% confidence.
• Check exam cities early. Anna University allocates exam centres based on city preference submitted during registration. Popular cities fill up — choose your preference carefully.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uploading a photograph that does not meet the 300×200 pixel and 50 KB limit — this is the most frequent error causing application status flags
• Selecting the wrong Part III subject for CEETA PG — this cannot be changed after submission and the wrong section will not be evaluated
• Assuming the TANCET scorecard will be available indefinitely — the download window is limited, so save it immediately when results are published
• Not retaining a hard copy of the confirmation page — it is needed throughout the counselling and admission process
• Waiting until the final hours to register — last-minute portal congestion on deadline day is common; apply at least 48 hours early

Conclusion

Whether you are an engineering graduate eyeing an M.Tech. seat at an Anna University department or a management aspirant targeting a top Tamil Nadu MBA college, today — April 10, 2026 — is your last chance to register. The process is entirely online, takes about 20–30 minutes, and requires just a few documents. Do not postpone.

After registration, shift your focus to admit card updates and exam preparation. With exams just a month away on May 9–10, every study day counts. Bookmark tancet.annauniv.edu and check it for hall ticket announcements and any schedule changes.