Synopsis
India's renewable energy generation potential is estimated at 21,09,655 megawatts as of March 2024, showcasing a strong growth in energy supply and consumption. Wind, solar, and hydro power dominate the landscape, with significant contributions from key states, indicating a positive trend for India's energy future.Key Takeaways
- 21,09,655 megawatts potential for renewable energy generation.
- Wind power leads with 11,63,856 megawatts.
- Installed capacity rose from 81,593 to 1,98,213 megawatts from 2015 to 2024.
- Per-capita energy consumption increased from 14,682 to 18,410 Mega Joules/person.
- Transmission losses decreased from 23% to 17%.
New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) India possesses significant potential for renewable energy generation, currently estimated at 21,09,655 megawatts as of March 2024, according to the government's announcement on Saturday. This highlights the country's consistent and robust growth in both energy supply and consumption.
Wind power leads the energy generation potential with an impressive 11,63,856 megawatts (approximately 55 percent), followed by solar energy at 7,48,990 megawatts and large hydro at 1,33,410 megawatts, as reported by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Notably, over half of this renewable energy potential is concentrated in four states: Rajasthan (20.3 percent), Maharashtra (11.8 percent), Gujarat (10.5 percent), and Karnataka (9.8 percent).
Moreover, the installed capacity for electricity generation from renewable sources has seen remarkable growth in recent years, climbing from 81,593 megawatts (as of March 31, 2015) to 1,98,213 megawatts (as of March 31, 2024), indicating a CAGR of 10.36 percent.
The overall gross generation of electricity from renewable resources (including both Utility and Non-Utility) has also notably increased, rising from 2,05,608 GWH in FY 2014-15 to 3,70,320 GWH in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of 6.76 percent.
Additionally, India's per-capita energy consumption has surged from 14,682 Mega Joules/person in FY 2014-15 to 18,410 Mega Joules/person in FY 2023-24, marking a CAGR of 2.55 percent.
Improvements have also been observed in electricity utilization, as losses from transmission and distribution have been reduced significantly from 23 percent in FY 2014-15 to approximately 17 percent in FY 2023-24, according to the ministry.
Among various energy-consuming sectors, the Industry sector has experienced the most significant growth during FY 2023-24. Other sectors such as Commercial and Public Services, Residential, Agriculture, and Forestry have also shown consistent growth.
The ministry stated, “The Indian economy has shown a healthy growth trajectory in FY 2023-24, with the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) increasing by 7.8 percent year-over-year to reach 9,03,158 KToE (Kilo Tonnes of oil Equivalent),” as noted in its annual report “Energy Statistics India 2025.”
