India’s non-fossil fuel capacity reached 217.62 gigawatts as of Jan. 20, 2025, fueled by a record-high of 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind additions in 2024, revealed official data.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the country’s clean energy sector is poised to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

The press release said solar energy dominated renewable energy growth, accounting for 47 percent of the total installed capacity.

Utility-scale solar additions reached 18.5 GW, a nearly 2.8-fold increase year-on-year, with Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu contributing 71 percent of the new capacity.

The rooftop solar segment also experienced robust expansion, adding 4.59 GW in 2024 — a 53 percent rise from 2023.

Government policies fuel growth

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched last year, spurred 700,000 new rooftop solar installations in just ten months. Off-grid solar capacity grew by 182 percent, adding 1.48 GW and improving energy access in rural areas.

Wind energy grew substantially, with Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu accounting for 98 percent of the 3.4 GW added in 2024. Gujarat led with 1,250 MW, followed by Karnataka with 1,135 MW, and Tamil Nadu with 980 MW.

The NRE ministry was pivotal in driving this growth through policy interventions, including promoting green hydrogen development, scaling up domestic manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines, and investing in inter-state transmission infrastructure to support renewable-rich states.

India’s Energy Demand to Double by 2032

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Monday that India’s power demand is set to double by 2032, emphasizing the pivotal role of renewable energy in meeting the country’s growing energy needs.

Speaking at a regional review meeting in Jaipur, Joshi said, “Renewable energy is the cornerstone of India’s energy future, and collective efforts will ensure a sustainable, energy-secure nation.”

As India moves into 2025, addressing regulatory, financial and infrastructural challenges, the country is poised to lead the global clean energy transition with continued policy backing and private sector investment.

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India’s Power Demand to Double by 2032, Renewable Energy to Lead Transition