Tuesday, 27 May 2025

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Triples: Solar Leads the Charge

 📌 Key Takeaways

📈 India’s renewable energy capacity rose from 76 GW (2014) to 232 GW (2025)
☀️ Solar energy grew from 2.8 GW to 108 GW — the largest contributor
🌊 Hydropower and wind energy also saw consistent growth
🎯 India targets 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030
🌍 Global recognition for India’s ambitious green energy mission


A Decade of Clean Energy Revolution

Solar panels in arid Indian landscape at sunrise.


In just ten years, India has made remarkable strides in reshaping its energy profile. According to a recent report, the country’s renewable energy (RE) capacity has tripled, showcasing a firm commitment to decarbonization and climate goals. From a modest 76 GW in 2014 to a whopping 232 GW in 2025, India is racing toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.


Solar Power: The Brightest Star

The most phenomenal growth has been in solar energy.

  • In 2014, India had only 2.8 GW of solar capacity.

  • As of 2025, it stands at 108 GW, thanks to flagship initiatives like PM-KUSUM, Solar Parks, and Rooftop Solar programs.

This massive expansion is a result of policy push, falling costs, and active private sector participation. Solar now contributes almost half of India’s total RE mix.


Wind and Hydro: Stable Contributors

  • Wind energy remains steady with capacity nearing 44 GW, primarily in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

  • Hydropower — often overlooked — continues to play a vital role in grid stability and seasonal energy needs. The sector has seen significant capacity addition, especially in the North-East and Himalayan regions.


Policy Push and Global Commitment

India’s progress is aligned with its Paris Climate Agreement goals and its pledge at COP26 to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key government actions include:

  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for solar and wind hybrids

  • Green Energy Corridors for better transmission

  • International Solar Alliance (ISA) leadership


Challenges Ahead: Storage, Integration & Land Use

Despite progress, India’s RE mission faces hurdles:

  • Intermittency of solar and wind power

  • Need for robust energy storage systems

  • Land acquisition and transmission bottlenecks

Battery technologies, pumped hydro storage, and smart grids are being explored to mitigate these issues.


India’s 2030 Target: 500 GW in Sight

With over 45% of power capacity already from renewables, India aims to double its RE capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
This target includes:

  • 280 GW from solar

  • 140 GW from wind

  • The rest from bioenergy, small hydro, and emerging sources


Conclusion: From Ambition to Action

India's renewable journey over the last decade is not just a domestic success story — it’s a global example of how policy, investment, and innovation can work together. As the country accelerates toward its 2030 goals, the world watches closely — and perhaps, draws inspiration.

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