Has India Overtaken Germany to Become the 3rd-Largest Producer of Wind and Solar Energy?

Synopsis
India's renewable energy sector is making headlines as it becomes the world’s third-largest producer of wind and solar energy, surpassing Germany. With impressive growth rates and ambitious targets, the country is paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Key Takeaways
- India is now the third-largest producer of wind and solar energy globally.
- Solar power capacity reached 107.95 GW in April 2023.
- India's clean energy capacity comprises 10 percent of the global total.
- India achieved its 2030 renewable energy target eight years early.
- The country is on track for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.
New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) India has officially emerged as the third-largest producer of wind and solar energy in the world, surpassing Germany. This significant milestone was announced by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, on Friday. He revealed that the country's solar power installed capacity soared to 107.95 GW in April this year, a remarkable increase from 82.64 GW in the same month last year, marking a growth rate of 30.7 percent.
India's clean energy capacity now accounts for 10 percent of the global share and continues to expand impressively under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister shared this achievement on the X social media platform, noting it as a step closer to a sustainable future.
The installed capacity of wind energy also saw an increase, standing at 51.06 GW last month, up from 46.16 GW in April 2024 — a growth of 10.6 percent.
According to the Union Minister, the total renewable energy (non-fossil fuel) installed capacity has reached 231.81 GW in April, up from 199.86 GW in April 2024, representing a 16 percent annual increase.
India is leading the global energy transition, with solar power alone growing more than thirty times over the past decade. Remarkably, the country achieved its renewable energy target for 2030 eight years ahead of schedule, reaching 200 GW in 2022.
Recently, Joshi inaugurated the PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) located in Gwal Pahari, Haryana, just outside the national capital. He emphasized the lab as a pioneering facility for India and noted that as Indian companies increase large module production, this lab will ensure that products adhere to the highest quality standards.
In terms of manufacturing, solar module output has surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW now, with a target of reaching 150 GW by 2030. Alongside solar advancements, the minister highlighted the achievement of 50 GW in wind energy capacity.
Reiterating the government's ambitious goals, Joshi stated that India is firmly on track to achieve the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, which includes 292 GW of solar energy, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.