Green Banking Practices and Renewable Energy Financing in India: A Comparative Empirical Analysis of Public and Private Sector Banks

Abstract

The growing concern over climate change and environmental sustainability has increased the importance of green banking practices in the Indian banking sector. Banks play a significant role in promoting sustainable development by incorporating environmental considerations into their banking operations and financing activities. In particular, financing renewable energy projects has become an important aspect of the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Against this background, the present study aims to examine green banking practices and analyse renewable energy financing among selected public-sector and private-sector banks in India. The study proposes to use secondary data collected from bank sustainability reports, annual reports, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reports (BRSR), and relevant publications of the Reserve Bank of India. The study period will cover the financial years 2020–21 to 2024–25, subject to data availability and comparability. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and comparative analysis will be employed to examine differences in green banking practices and disclosed renewable energy financing across the selected banks. The study will also explore the relationship between green banking practices and renewable energy financing, wherever sufficient comparable data are available. The findings are expected to provide insights into the role of Indian banks in supporting renewable energy development and to identify differences in their sustainability practices and financing disclosures. The study may offer useful implications for banking institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen green finance initiatives in India.