India’s renewable energy sector has emerged as a global leader in the transition toward sustainable energy, achieving remarkable milestones in 2024. With the country’s total non-fossil fuel energy capacity reaching 217.62 GW as of January 20, 2025, India is steadily progressing toward its ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030. Solar energy continued to dominate the renewable landscape, contributing 47% of the total installed renewable capacity. In 2024, India added a record 24.5 GW of solar capacity, including 18.5 GW of utility-scale installations, a 2.8-fold increase from 2023. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led this growth, collectively accounting for 71% of the nation’s utility-scale solar additions. The rooftop solar sector also saw a significant surge with a 53% increase, adding 4.59 GW of new capacity, bolstered by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative enabled over seven lakh rooftop installations within ten months, reflecting the government’s focus on energy accessibility for urban and rural households alike. Wind energy also experienced notable growth, with 3.4 GW of new capacity added in 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to the previous year. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading contributors, collectively accounting for 98% of the new wind installations.
As India enters 2025, addressing these challenges becomes critical to sustaining the pace of renewable energy adoption. The roadmap ahead involves further expanding domestic manufacturing under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening energy storage solutions, and fostering private sector participation to drive investments. The push for green hydrogen as a viable clean energy alternative will also require focused attention to reduce costs and enhance scalability.
India’s achievements in renewable energy are a testament to its commitment to sustainability and innovation. By overcoming existing hurdles and maintaining policy support, the nation is well-positioned to achieve its 2030 targets and inspire other countries to adopt cleaner, more sustainable energy pathways. The renewable energy sector not only represents a cornerstone of India’s climate goals but also highlights its potential to lead the global energy transition toward a greener future.
