India’s renewable energy sector has made remarkable progress in 2024, marking a significant step forward in the country’s transition toward a sustainable future. The year witnessed unprecedented growth in solar and wind energy installations, policy advancements, and infrastructure development, paving the way for achieving ambitious targets in 2025. India remains committed to reaching a non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, with its current capacity standing at 217.62 GW as of January 20, 2025.
In 2024, the country achieved record-breaking additions of 24.5 GW of solar capacity and 3.4 GW of wind capacity. Solar installations alone saw more than a twofold increase compared to 2023, while wind capacity additions rose by 21%. These achievements were driven by government incentives, policy reforms, and heightened investments in domestic manufacturing for solar modules and wind turbines. Solar energy continued to lead India’s renewable energy growth, accounting for 47% of the total installed renewable energy capacity. Utility-scale solar installations alone reached 18.5 GW in 2024, which is nearly 2.8 times higher than in 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu were the top contributors, accounting for 71% of the total utility-scale solar installations in the country.
The rooftop solar sector also experienced significant growth during the year, with 4.59 GW of new capacity added, marking a 53% increase from 2023. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, introduced in 2024, played a crucial role in this expansion by facilitating 7 lakh rooftop solar installations within ten months. Additionally, the off-grid solar segment saw an 182% rise, adding 1.48 GW in 2024, which contributed to improving energy access in rural areas.
Wind energy capacity grew with the addition of 3.4 GW in 2024, with Gujarat leading the way at 1,250 MW, followed by Karnataka at 1,135 MW and Tamil Nadu at 980 MW. These three states together accounted for 98% of the new wind capacity added during the year, maintaining their dominance in wind power generation.
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy played a key role in this growth through various policy interventions and financial support. Significant initiatives included the promotion of green hydrogen policies aimed at reducing costs and attracting investments in this emerging sector. Domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules and wind turbines was scaled up, furthering India’s ambition to become a global renewable energy manufacturing hub. Investments were also proposed for inter-state transmission systems to ensure the evacuation of power from renewable-rich states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
India’s renewable energy journey in 2024 showcased record capacity additions and policy advancements, highlighting the country’s potential to lead the global clean energy transition. As India steps into 2025, addressing regulatory, financial, and infrastructural challenges will be critical. With continued policy support, increased investments, and a focus on emerging technologies, the country is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious targets and strengthen its status as a global leader in renewable energy.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
