Synopsis
India is required to ramp up its non-fossil-fuel capacity to 600 GW by 2030, according to a CEEW study presented during a national dialogue. This is crucial to meet the rising electricity demand affordably and reliably.Key Takeaways
- 600 GW of non-fossil-fuel capacity needed by 2030.
- Study reveals power demand will grow significantly.
- Renewable energy sources are cost-effective solutions.
- Collaboration and policies necessary for energy transition.
- India's clean energy capacity has grown impressively since 2014.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) India must enhance its non-fossil-fuel capacity to 600 GW by 2030 to ensure that its increasing electricity demand is met effectively and economically, according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) presented during the national dialogue focused on shaping India’s energy future this Wednesday.
The report, titled ‘How Can India Meet Its Rising Power Demand? Pathways to 2030’, is the first of its kind to analyze India’s electricity system dispatch at 15-minute intervals for the year 2030. The findings indicate that if India's electricity demand escalates in line with the forecasts from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the current, ongoing, and planned generation capacities would suffice to satisfy the power requirements of 2030.
The launch of the CEEW study saw attendance from notable figures such as Suresh Prabhu, Trustee of CEEW, Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, along with representatives from distribution companies and the private sector.
Nonetheless, should the demand for power continue to exceed current estimates due to climate change or robust economic growth in the next five years, the CEEW research suggests that pursuing a high renewable energy (RE) strategy of 600 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 presents the most effective solution, primarily owing to the lower costs associated with Renewable Energy sources. This plan would encompass 377 GW of solar energy, 148 GW of wind, 62 GW of hydro, and 20 GW of nuclear power. This study is timely, coinciding with the country’s power demand reaching a record 238 GW in February 2025, with peak demand projected to reach 260 GW during the warmer months, driven by unusually high temperatures.
Minister Naik stated, “We have set ambitious targets to boost the capacity of non-fossil fuels and achieve net zero by 2070. These objectives are crucial for a Viksit Bharat. Our clean energy journey has been impressive, growing from 76 GW in 2014 to 220 GW in 2025 for non-fossil capacity.”
Former Union Minister Prabhu remarked, “India’s energy transformation must align with its economic aspirations. It is essential to plan for a substantial renewable share today to provide appropriate market signals for the future. Achieving 600 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 necessitates a forward-thinking policy and regulatory framework. While the government is implementing bold measures, enhanced policies, industry collaboration, and research-oriented, distributed solutions are vital to tackle challenges in grid management, deployment, and financing. This CEEW study offers valuable insights for the sector.”
