Has India's Installed Renewable Energy Capacity Surged to 250.64 GW?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's total renewable energy capacity has reached 250.64 GW.
- Solar power constitutes a significant portion of this capacity.
- India's solar capacity has surged by over 4,500% in the past 11 years.
- The nation aims for renewable energy to comprise over 35% of its electricity generation by FY30.
- Successful implementation of renewable projects is crucial for future growth.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The cumulative installed renewable energy (RE) capacity in India has reached 250.64 GW as of October 31, with solar energy making up a significant portion, as reported to Parliament on Wednesday.
The capacity for solar energy skyrocketed from 2.82 GW in March 2014 to 129.92 GW. Wind energy capacity rose from 21.04 GW in March 2014 to 53.60 GW, while biomass power capacity grew from 8.18 GW in March 2014 to 11.61 GW during the same timeframe, as stated by the Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
India is a pivotal player in the global expansion of renewable energy. Over the past 11 years, the nation’s solar capacity has surged from 2.8 GW to nearly 130 GW, a staggering increase of over 4,500 percent. Between 2022 and 2024, India contributed 46 GW to global solar growth, solidifying its position as the third-largest contributor.
This year, India achieved its highest-ever addition of non-fossil capacity, totaling 31.25 GW, which includes 24.28 GW from solar.
Reports suggest that the proportion of India’s electricity generation from renewable energy sources, including large hydro, is projected to exceed 35 percent by FY30, rising from 22.1 percent in FY25, with an anticipated incremental capacity addition of around 200 GW during FY25 to FY30.
The success of this plan depends heavily on the execution of ongoing projects, including bidding and signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), as well as the development of adequate transmission infrastructure. Timely bidding for new RE projects and the signing of PPAs by central nodal agencies are also crucial, according to a report from the rating agency ICRA.
As global frameworks increasingly influence industrial competitiveness, India's transition to renewable energy has become more urgent and strategically significant.