Green Energy Revolution: Technologies, Challenges, and the Road to a Sustainable Future

Abstract

The accelerating impacts of climate change, urban air pollution, and energy insecurity have intensified the global shift toward green energy systems (International Energy Agency, 2025). This study critically examines the role of renewable energy in advancing sustainable development and improving urban air quality, with particular emphasis on the Indian context. The research employs a structured qualitative review of recent peer-reviewed literature (2020–2025), supported by secondary analysis of renewable energy deployment trends and urban air pollution indicators, including PM2.5 concentrations (Central Pollution Control Board, 2024). Major renewable technologies, such as solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal energy, and emerging green hydrogen systems, are evaluated for their environmental, economic, and policy implications (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2025). The analysis indicates that increasing the share of renewable energy, especially when integrated with electric mobility and grid modernization, has the potential to contribute to observable improvements in urban air quality (Sharma et al., 2025; Gupta & Mishra, 2024). However, the transition remains constrained by intermittency issues, infrastructure limitations, Financing gaps, and inconsistent policy implementation (Zhang et al., 2024). The study highlights the need for coordinated urban energy planning, long-term policy stability, and targeted investments to strengthen the effectiveness of green energy initiatives. The findings offer policy-relevant insights to accelerate renewable energy adoption and help achieve cleaner, healthier, and more resilient cities in India.