India’s renewable energy sector continued its strong growth in August 2026, with renewable electricity generation excluding large hydropower reaching 38,792.04 million units (MU), according to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Renewable generation increased 39.24% compared with August 2025, reflecting the rising contribution of clean energy to India’s electricity supply.
Solar and wind power remained the major sources of renewable electricity during the month, together contributing nearly 93.95% of total renewable generation. Solar power generated 18,629.7 MU in August, accounting for around 48.02% of renewable generation. The growth was supported by continued additions in utility-scale solar projects, expansion of rooftop installations, and increasing adoption of renewable power through open-access arrangements by commercial and industrial consumers.
Wind power generation crossed 17.815 billion units (BU), contributing approximately 45.92% of total renewable electricity generation. Continued investments and capacity additions in major wind-producing states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Karnataka, supported generation during the month.
India’s installed solar power capacity reached 168,040.05 MW by the end of August 2026, while installed wind power capacity stood at 58,520 MW. The expansion has been supported by investments in renewable projects, improving project economics, financing availability, declining solar module prices, and government policies promoting clean energy deployment.
Other renewable sources, including biomass, bagasse and small hydropower, contributed around 6.05% of renewable electricity generation in August. While their combined contribution was significantly lower than solar and wind, these technologies continue to play a role in diversifying India’s renewable energy portfolio and supporting agricultural and rural energy requirements.
The rapid increase in renewable generation is also creating greater requirements for transmission infrastructure and grid management. Higher renewable penetration will require additional transmission capacity, improved grid flexibility and wider deployment of battery energy storage systems to manage variations in solar and wind generation.
Domestic manufacturing of solar modules, cells and other renewable energy equipment will also remain important as India seeks to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.
India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The August 2026 generation data indicates continued momentum in renewable electricity deployment and highlights the growing role of solar and wind power in meeting the country’s future electricity demand.
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