New Delhi: In a major milestone for India’s clean energy transition, the country’s non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity has surged more than threefold in the past decade, reaching 250 GW from just 81 GW in 2014.
This significant achievement was highlighted by Union Secretary, New and Renewable Energy, Shri Santosh Sarangi who underscored India’s strong commitment to sustainable energy and its progress toward becoming a global leader in the sector.
The growth is a testament to the nation’s ambitious push for renewable energy, which includes a comprehensive strategy to expand capacity across various sources. The current 250 GW capacity includes a substantial contribution from solar power (123.13 GW), which has seen a massive expansion.
Wind energy, large hydro, bio-energy, and nuclear power also play a key role in the non-fossil fuel mix. This development reinforces India’s path toward its goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, a commitment made at the COP26 summit.
This accelerated growth is being supported by forward-looking policies and schemes aimed at attracting investment and promoting the adoption of clean energy.
The government recently rationalized GST rates for renewable energy equipment, a move expected to lower project costs and save up to Rs 1.5 lakh crore for adding the remaining capacity to meet the 2030 target. Such reforms are making clean energy more affordable for households, farmers, and industries, thereby accelerating the deployment of rooftop solar systems and solar pumps across the country.
This rapid expansion not only strengthens India’s energy security but also positions the country as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change, setting a prominent example for sustainable development.