India is rapidly moving towards renewable energy. By 20 January 2025, the country’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity reached 217.62 GW. The goal is to achieve 500 GW by 2030.
In 2024, India added 24.5 GW of solar capacity and 3.4 GW of wind capacity. Solar energy showed the strongest growth, more than doubling compared to 2023. Wind capacity rose by 21%. This growth was driven by government support, policy changes, and investments in manufacturing. Solar energy now makes up 47% of India’s total renewable energy capacity.
Utility-scale solar grew the most, with 18.5 GW added in 2024. This is almost three times the amount installed in 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led this growth, contributing 71% of the country’s new solar capacity.
Rooftop solar also expanded. In 2024, 4.59 GW of new capacity was installed, 53% more than in 2023. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana scheme helped with 7 lakh rooftop solar installations in just ten months. Off-grid solar added another 1.48 GW in 2024, marking a 182% increase and improving access to energy in rural areas.
Wind energy also grew, with 3.4 GW of capacity added in 2024. Gujarat added 1,250 MW, Karnataka 1,135 MW, and Tamil Nadu 980 MW. These three states accounted for 98% of new wind installations.
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) played a key role in driving this progress. It supported renewable energy through several actions:
Developing green hydrogen policies to reduce costs and encourage investment.
Increasing domestic production of solar panels and wind turbines.
Strengthening the power grid to manage renewable energy from states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
India’s renewable energy sector made significant progress in 2024, but challenges remain. Addressing regulatory, financial, and infrastructure issues will be crucial in 2025. Continued support and investment are needed to meet the country’s ambitious targets.
India is on track to achieve its renewable energy goals and is becoming a global leader in clean energy.
