Sprawling solar parks, wind farms and hydroelectric projects has built diverse renewable energy base
Several states in India have emerged as leaders in renewable energy capacity, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress and the goal of having 500 GW from non-fossil fuel sources of 2030, having completed 203.18 GW this year, said the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Rajasthan tops the list with an impressive 29.98 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, benefiting from its vast land and abundant sunlight, the ministry said on 13 Nov in an update on the national programme for renewable energy.
Following closely is Gujarat, which boasts a capacity of 29.52 GW, driven by its strong focus on solar and wind energy projects. Tamil Nadu ranks third with 23.70 GW, leveraging its favourable wind patterns to generate substantial energy. Karnataka rounds out the top four with a capacity of 22.37 GW, supported by a mix of solar and wind initiatives, it said.
According to the Central Electricity Authority, the total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 203.18 GW.
This achievement underscores India’s growing commitment to clean energy and its progress in building a greener future. India’s total renewable energy installed capacity surged by an impressive 24.2 GW (13.5%) in just one year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, up from 178.98 GW in October 2023.
Additionally, when including nuclear energy, India’s total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to 211.36 GW in 2024, compared to 186.46 GW in 2023.
“This milestone reflects the result of years of dedicated efforts to harness India’s natural resources,” said the ministry.
From sprawling solar parks to wind farms and hydroelectric projects, the country has steadily built a diverse renewable energy base. These initiatives have not only reduced reliance on fossil fuels but also strengthened the nation’s energy security.
When factoring in the 8,180 MW (megawatt) of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country’s installed electricity generation capacity, signalling a strong move toward clean energy leadership on the global stage.
India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with renewable energy contributing a significant portion of the overall power mix.
As of October 2024, 203.18 GW of renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity accounted for more than 46.3% of the country’s total installed capacity.
This marks a major shift in India’s energy landscape, reflecting the country’s growing reliance on cleaner, non-fossil fuel-based energy sources.
A variety of renewable energy resources contribute to this impressive figure.
Solar power leads the way with 92.12 GW, playing a crucial role in India’s efforts to harness its abundant sunlight.
Wind power follows closely with 47.72 GW, driven by the vast potential of the coastal and inland wind corridors across the country.
Hydroelectric power is another key contributor, with large hydro projects generating 46.93 GW and small hydro power adding 5.07 GW, offering a reliable and sustainable source of energy from India’s rivers and water systems.
Biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW to the renewable energy mix. These bioenergy projects are vital for utilizing agricultural waste and other organic materials to generate power, further diversifying India’s clean energy sources.
Together, these renewable resources are helping the country reduce its dependence on traditional fossil fuels, while driving progress toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future, said MNRE. Fiinews.com
