Synopsis
India's non-fossil fuel energy capacity has hit 217.62 GW as of January 20. The government highlights the need for addressing infrastructure and regulatory challenges to meet clean energy goals, with a focus on solar and wind installations for 2025 and beyond.Key Takeaways
- India's non-fossil energy capacity stands at 217.62 GW.
- Significant growth in solar and wind energy installations in 2024.
- Target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- Top states in solar installations: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
- Rooftop solar sector grew by 53 percent in 2024.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) India’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has achieved 217.62 GW (as of January 20). The government emphasized that tackling regulatory, financial, and infrastructural challenges will be vital this year to fulfill the nation’s clean energy objectives.
With sustained policy support, heightened investment, and a keen focus on emerging technologies, India is strategically positioned to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals and enhance its reputation as a global frontrunner in the clean energy transition, according to a statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
In 2024, the nation made remarkable progress in solar and wind energy installations, policy enhancements, and infrastructure development, paving the way for even more ambitious targets set for 2025.
India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, establishing itself as a global leader in clean energy.
The year 2024 witnessed a record addition of 24.5 GW of solar capacity and 3.4 GW of wind capacity, showcasing over a two-fold increase in solar installations and a 21 percent rise in wind installations compared to 2023, as reported by the ministry.
This remarkable growth was propelled by government incentives, policy reforms, and increased investments in domestic solar and wind turbine manufacturing.
Solar energy continued to be the primary driver of India’s renewable energy expansion, making up 47 percent of the total installed renewable energy capacity.
Last year, the installation of 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity represented an almost 2.8x increase compared to 2023.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading states, contributing 71 percent of India’s total utility-scale solar installations.
Government statistics indicate that the rooftop solar sector experienced significant growth last year, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed, reflecting a 53 percent increase from 2023.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, introduced in 2024, played a vital role in this expansion, enabling 700,000 rooftop solar installations within 10 months.
Moreover, the off-grid solar segment recorded an impressive 182 percent increase, adding 1.48 GW in 2024, further advancing India's energy access objectives in rural regions.
India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the additions.
These states contributed to 98 percent of the new wind capacity, underscoring their sustained leadership in wind power generation, as stated by the ministry.
