India has hit a renewable energy milestone, with its total renewable energy capacity surpassing 200 gigawatts (GW) in September, marking a significant step toward a sustainable energy future. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) reported that India’s renewable energy-based electricity generation now stands at an impressive 201,457 MW, driven primarily by solar (90,762 MW) and wind energy (47,363 MW). This achievement reflects India’s accelerating transition toward clean energy sources.
The four leading states in renewable energy capacity are Rajasthan with 31.5 GW, followed by Gujarat (28.3 GW), Tamil Nadu (23.7 GW), and Karnataka (22.3 GW). The country’s non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for 46.3% of its total installed electricity generation capacity, signalling a steady shift away from traditional fossil fuel dependence.
This growth comes as India aims to expand its role in the global renewable energy landscape. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is set to inaugurate the CEA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations with a “Brainstorming Session on the Indian Power Sector by 2047,” focusing on long-term planning for a modern, resilient power system. Topics include financing energy transitions, scaling up hydropower, and the potential role of green hydrogen in achieving India’s Net Zero vision.
Despite these gains, renewable energy projects globally are facing hurdles, particularly in grid connectivity. According to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), there is a bottleneck in grid investments, with over 1,650 GW of global wind, solar, and hydropower projects awaiting grid connections as of July 2024. India is not immune to this issue, though its progress in renewable energy capacity has been among the most impressive globally.
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India’s growth in renewables, particularly in wind and solar, is part of its broader climate commitments. The nation remains the only G20 country to meet its climate targets ahead of schedule and has one of the lowest per capita emissions globally. With continued investments in green energy and technology, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global shift toward sustainability.