India Rises to 3rd in Global Wind and Solar Power Generation in 2024, Doubles Solar Capacity – Report

In 2024, the world reached a major milestone in its journey toward clean energy. For the first time, clean electricity accounted for over 40% of all global power generation. This historic achievement was mostly due to a sharp rise in renewable energy sources, especially solar power. Solar energy has grown so fast that it has doubled in the past three years and, for the third year in a row, it was the largest new source of electricity added worldwide. It is also the fastest-growing electricity source for the 20th year in a row according to a report by Ember.

Even with this strong growth in clean energy, there was a slight increase in power generation from fossil fuels. This was mainly caused by the extreme heat waves experienced in many countries in 2024. These heatwaves raised electricity demand as people used more air conditioning and cooling systems. As a result, emissions from the power sector reached a new all-time high.

Still, solar energy continues to lead the way in the shift toward cleaner and more secure electricity systems. The rapid rise of solar power is helping countries reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. This is especially important for nations that spend a lot on energy imports. Solar is not just growing quickly; it is becoming more reliable as it is increasingly paired with battery storage. This combination allows clean energy to be used even when the sun is not shining, making solar a dependable source of electricity around the clock.

The report also highlights new factors driving the growth in electricity demand. These include the rising use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and the growing number of data centers powered by artificial intelligence. All these technologies are adding to the long-term need for more electricity. While electricity demand is expected to keep growing, there is still some uncertainty about how fast it will grow in the future.

Two countries—China and India—are showing the biggest increases in electricity demand over the past twenty years. Both are playing key roles in the global energy transition. What makes their progress important is that they are increasing their electricity supply through clean energy rather than fossil fuels. This is a major change from past patterns, where growing demand was usually met by burning more coal or gas. Now, China and India are proving that it is possible to meet rising demand without increasing pollution.

India, in particular, made notable progress in 2024. The country’s electricity demand rose by 5%, a bit lower than the 7% growth in 2023, but still in line with India’s 10-year average growth rate of about 5.5% per year. This steady increase in demand reflects the country’s growing economy and rising living standards. However, instead of turning to coal, India is adding clean energy capacity at a record pace.

In 2024, India more than doubled its new solar power capacity compared to 2023. This major leap shows the country’s strong focus on renewable energy. With this growth, India has now passed Germany to become the third-largest generator of electricity from wind and solar in the world. Only China and the United States produce more clean electricity from these sources than India.

India’s transition to clean power is important not just for its people, but also for the global fight against climate change. As the world’s most populous country and a fast-growing economy, India’s energy choices affect the entire planet. Its ability to grow clean power faster than fossil fuels shows what is possible with the right policies, investments, and public support.

Looking ahead, the report suggests that clean energy will continue to expand. Technologies like solar, wind, and battery storage are becoming more affordable and reliable. If countries like India stay on this path, the world could soon see a real drop in power sector emissions. That would be a big step forward in creating a safer and cleaner future for everyone.