India has reached a significant milestone in renewable energy production, surpassing the 200 gigawatt (GW) mark in September, primarily driven by advancements in solar and wind energy. According to the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the total renewable energy generation capacity, which includes small and large hydro, biomass, co-generation, and waste-to-energy, has reached an impressive 201,457.91 megawatts (MW).
Solar energy has emerged as a leader in this surge, contributing 90,762 MW, while wind energy has provided a substantial 47,363 MW to the national grid. This achievement marks a noteworthy shift in India’s energy landscape, with non-fossil fuel-based power now accounting for 46.3% of the country’s total installed electricity generation capacity.
Rajasthan leads the charge among states with the highest renewable energy capacity, boasting 31.5 GW, followed by Gujarat at 28.3 GW, Tamil Nadu at 23.7 GW, and Karnataka at 22.3 GW. These figures underline the regional commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources.
The growth trajectory of renewable energy in India has been remarkable, with an 86% increase in power generation from renewable sources since 2014, escalating from 193.5 billion units (BU) to 360 BU. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has experienced a transformative rise in renewable energy capacity, surging from 75 GW to over 200 GW—an impressive 175% increase.
In addition to its renewable energy advancements, India is making strides in the green shipping sector, aiming to rank among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047. Notably, India stands out as the only G20 country to have met its climate targets ahead of schedule, achieving this milestone while maintaining the lowest per capita emissions among G20 nations.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that India had a cumulative installed wind power capacity of 44.7 GW in 2023, placing it fourth globally. The country added 2.8 GW of wind capacity in 2023, signaling a revival in growth after five years of stagnation.
This achievement not only reinforces India’s commitment to renewable energy but also positions the nation as a key player in the global energy transition.
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