India’s renewable energy sector has witnessed a historic surge, achieving a total installed capacity of 220.10 gigawatts as of March 31, 2025. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has reported an exceptional annual addition of 29.52 gigawatts in the fiscal year 2024-25. This growth propels India closer to its ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, a cornerstone of its ‘Panchamrit’ climate commitments.
Solar energy emerged as the frontrunner in this transformative journey, contributing 23.83 gigawatts of new capacity in the past year. This marked a significant leap from the 15.03 gigawatts added in the previous year. With a cumulative solar capacity of 105.65 gigawatts, the sector includes 81.01 gigawatts from ground-mounted installations, 17.02 gigawatts from rooftop solar systems, 2.87 gigawatts from hybrid projects, and 4.74 gigawatts from off-grid systems. The rapid deployment underscores the nationwide embrace of solar power across both utility-scale and distributed applications.
Wind energy continues to hold a pivotal role in India’s clean energy portfolio, reaching a cumulative capacity of 50.04 gigawatts after adding 4.15 gigawatts in 2024-25. This performance represents a steady increase compared to the 3.25 gigawatts added the previous year, cementing wind energy’s status as a reliable pillar of the renewable sector.
Complementing the advancements in solar and wind, the bioenergy sector has maintained momentum, achieving a total capacity of 11.58 gigawatts, which includes contributions from waste-to-energy and off-grid projects. Small hydro power projects also play a crucial role, with a total capacity of 5.10 gigawatts and an additional 0.44 gigawatts under implementation. These sectors highlight India’s diversified approach to renewable energy development, ensuring a decentralized and robust energy system.
India’s commitment to clean energy extends beyond existing installations, with 169.40 gigawatts of renewable energy projects currently under implementation and 65.06 gigawatts at the tendered stage. Innovative solutions such as hybrid systems, round-the-clock power, and bundling projects combine thermal and renewable sources to enhance grid stability and reliability. These strategic initiatives reflect a long-term vision for a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has driven various initiatives to ensure the sector’s consistent growth, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant and green India. The Ministry has effectively focused efforts on scaling up renewable energy across the country while fostering international collaboration to meet climate targets and address energy security challenges.
India’s remarkable progress in renewable energy signals not only an achievement in climate goals but also a robust commitment to building a sustainable and prosperous future. As the nation continues on this transformative path, it sets a global benchmark for clean energy innovation and implementation.
