THE ROLE OF POLICY AND INCENTIVES IN ACCELERATING GREEN ENERGY ADOPTION IN DELHI NCR

Abstract The effectiveness of financial incentives and policy frameworks in promoting the adoption of green energy across Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), a fast-urbanizing region experiencing severe energy and environmental problems, is the subject of this study. The study uses a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys (n=300) with qualitative stakeholder interviews to examine industry-specific adoption patterns among residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Regression analysis reveals that the most effective incentives are capital subsidies (β=0.45) and net metering availability (β=0.38), even though their benefits are skewed toward higher-income households. Due to regulatory requirements, adoption rates in industrial sectors are 65–75%, whereas residential uptake is still limited to 23–45% due to financial constraints, bureaucratic red tape, and knowledge gaps. The findings demonstrate significant differences in policy efficacy. Significant implementation hurdles, such as multi-agency clearance delays impacting 43% of candidates and soft expenses accounting for 30% of system costs, are highlighted in the study. These results highlight the necessity of addressing current adoption disparities by implementing more fair policy designs, more effective governance structures, and focused awareness initiatives. The study adds empirical support to the urban energy transition literature by demonstrating how policy tools operate in India's complicated metropolitan environment and providing real-world advice for improving the renewable energy roadmap for Delhi NCR. Policymakers can expedite inclusive green energy adoption by addressing identified obstacles through targeted interventions, thereby advancing both environmental sustainability and energy justice goals in one of India's most polluted urban agglomerations. Keywords: Green Energy, renewable energy, urban energy, Delhi NCR sustainability, solar adoption