India Surges to 217.62 GW Renewable Energy Capacity, Targets 500 GW by 2030

India has witnessed unprecedented growth in its renewable energy sector during 2024, marking a pivotal year in the country's journey towards sustainability.

As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) statement, as of January 20, 2025, the nation’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity reached 217.62 GW, underlining its commitment to achieving 500 GW by 2030.

In 2024, India saw a record addition of 24.5 GW of solar energy capacity, a staggering increase that more than doubled the previous year’s solar installations. This growth was propelled by government incentives, policy reforms, and an increase in domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Solar energy continued to dominate the renewable energy sector, accounting for 47 percent of the total installed renewable energy capacity. The country also witnessed a significant rise in utility-scale solar installations, with 18.5 GW added in 2024, nearly 2.8 times the capacity added in 2023. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the top performers, contributing a combined 71 percent of India’s total utility-scale solar capacity additions.

Alongside utility-scale solar growth, India’s rooftop solar sector experienced substantial expansion. In 2024, the country installed 4.59 GW of rooftop solar capacity, marking a 53 percent increase from the previous year. This surge was largely driven by the launch of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provided free rooftop solar installations to households. Within just ten months, the scheme facilitated the installation of 7 lakh rooftop solar systems across the country.

Furthermore, the off-grid solar segment also saw remarkable growth, recording a 182 percent increase and adding 1.48 GW to the grid, contributing to enhanced energy access in rural and remote areas.

The wind energy sector also experienced significant growth in 2024. India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity, a 21 percent increase compared to the previous year. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu were the leading states for wind power generation, together accounting for 98 percent of the new wind capacity installations. Gujarat took the lead with 1,250 MW of new capacity, followed by Karnataka with 1,135 MW and Tamil Nadu with 980 MW. The wind energy sector continues to play a crucial role in India’s renewable energy landscape, complementing the rapid growth in solar energy.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) played a pivotal role in driving this growth, implementing policies that fostered investment and innovation in the sector. One of the key developments in 2024 was the government’s push for green hydrogen, a clean fuel that is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonising India’s energy sector. The government focused on reducing the cost of green hydrogen production and attracting investments into the sector, aiming to position India as a global leader in this emerging technology.

The expansion of domestic manufacturing capabilities for solar PV modules and wind turbines was another critical component of the government’s strategy. India is moving towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for renewable energy technologies, and the increased production of solar panels and wind turbines will help reduce dependence on imports and support long-term growth in the sector.

In addition to these efforts, the MNRE announced significant investments in grid infrastructure, particularly inter-state transmission systems, to facilitate the efficient evacuation of renewable energy from states that are rich in renewable resources like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. These investments are aimed at strengthening the power grid to handle the increased renewable energy generation, ensuring that the energy produced reaches consumers across the country.

Looking ahead to 2025, India is poised to continue its momentum in the renewable energy sector. The country’s renewable energy capacity is expected to grow rapidly, although challenges such as regulatory hurdles, financing constraints, and infrastructure limitations must be addressed. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector with favourable policies and continued investment in grid infrastructure will be essential to achieving India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.

India’s progress in 2024 has set a solid foundation for 2025 and beyond, positioning the country as a global leader in clean energy. With continued policy support, technological advancements, and increased investment, India is well on its way to meeting its renewable energy goals, which are vital for both its energy security and its commitment to tackling climate change.