There is a global push for climate change mitigation and sustainable development which has increased the urgency towards energy transition strategies. This paper evaluates the feasibility of transitioning toward clean coal technologies and renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions, with an emphasis on India. The paper explores clean coal technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), and analyses their technical, economic, and environmental viability alongside the challenges they pose, like high costs and public skepticism. The study examines the benefits and limitations of renewable energy, and emphasizes its critical role in ensuring environmental sustainability and energy security. There have been insights drawn from policy frameworks in leading nations like the USA and China, as this paper identifies lessons for India’s renewable energy and clean coal initiatives. The assessment of India’s regulatory framework, includes the Electricity Act, 2003 and the National Action Plan on Climate Change, and evaluates the nation’s path toward its net-zero commitment by 2070. The study focuses on the economic and environmental implications of transitioning to renewables or clean coal, with a focus on the employment, industrial growth, and GDP impact. The paper offers strategic recommendations for policymakers to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability and concludes by advocating for a pragmatic and integrated energy transition approach tailored to India’s unique socio-economic and energy landscape.