India's Solar Power Capacity Projected to Reach 46 Percent by 2047

India is set to witness a significant transformation in its energy landscape, with solar energy projected to account for 46 percent of the nation's total power capacity by 2047. This optimistic view, equating to a substantial 856 gigawatts (GW), was highlighted in the ‘India Energy Securities Scenarios 2047,’ an analytical tool developed by NITI Aayog to envision a sustainable energy future for the country.

Under the Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, the report underscores the growing importance of solar energy, driven by rapid advancements in solar technology that are enhancing the efficiency of harnessing solar power. However, the exact amount of land required to accommodate such a vast expansion of solar parks by 2050 remains uncertain, given the fast-evolving nature of solar technologies.

In line with this green energy transition, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change implemented the E-Waste (Management) Rules on April 1, 2023. These regulations specifically address the disposal and recycling of used solar photovoltaic modules or panels, emphasising the recovery of valuable materials. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is tasked with enforcing these rules, which are critical to ensuring that India's solar energy infrastructure development is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.

The significance of these developments was outlined by the Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, in a written response to the Lok Sabha. The government's commitment to recycling solar infrastructure and promoting environmentally sustainable energy solutions marks a vital step in aligning India’s energy sector with global sustainability standards.

India has made remarkable strides in solar energy over the past decade. The nation's installed solar energy capacity has increased by a staggering 30 times, reaching 85.47 GW as of June 2024. According to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India’s solar energy potential is estimated at 748 GW. The country aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade, with solar energy expected to play a pivotal role in meeting this target.

As solar energy emerges as the leading renewable power source in India, the nation faces the challenge of installing solar power capacity equivalent to at least half of its 2030 target to stay on course for its ambitious energy goals.