Quantum Jump in India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

Renewable energy now constitutes 46.3% of total capacity

India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the country’s total renewable energy capacity crossing the 200 GW (gigawatt) mark as of October 10, 2024. According to the Central Electricity Authority, the total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 201.45 GW. This achievement underscores India’s growing commitment to clean energy and its progress in building a greener future.

Reportedly, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 5th in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2024 Global Status Report).The country has set an enhanced target at the COP26 of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. This has been a key pledge under the “Panchamrit” . This is the world’s largest expansion plan in renewable energy.

Objectives of Panchamrit

The five nectar elements presented by the Indian government included:

• Increasing non-fossil fuel capacity by 500GW by 2030.

• 50 per cent of its energy requirements to come from renewable energy by 2030.

• Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.

• Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.

• Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity has increased 396% in the last 8.5 years and stands at more than 209.63 GW (including large Hydro and nuclear), about 46.3% of the country’s total capacity (as of Sep 2024). India saw the highest year-on-year growth in renewable energy additions of 9.83% in 2022. The installed solar energy capacity has increased by 30 times in the last 9 years and stands at 90.76 GW as of Sep 2024. India’s solar energy potential is estimated to be 748 GWp as estimated by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The installed Renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has increased by around 128% since 2014.

Overview of India’s Renewable Energy Landscape

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, renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 percent 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 90.76 GW, playing a crucial role in India’s efforts to harness its abundant sunlight. Wind power follows closely with 47.36 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 46.92 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.

Leading States in Renewable Energy Capacity

Several states in India have emerged as leaders in renewable energy capacity, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress. Rajasthan tops the list with an impressive 29.98 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, benefiting from its vast land and abundant sunlight. 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. Together, these states play a crucial role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and establishing a more sustainable energy future.

Key Schemes and Programmes

The Government of India has implemented a range of measures and initiatives aimed at promoting and accelerating renewable energy capacity across the nation, with an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Key programs include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and PLI schemes for solar PV modules.

These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable energy future while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and energy security. Here are some other ongoing key initiatives:

• Notification of a trajectory for renewable energy power bids of 50 GW per annum by Renewable Energy Implementation Agencies (REIAs) from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.

• Foreign Direct Investment permitted up to 100 percent under the automatic route to attract investments.

• Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System charges for solar and wind power projects commissioned by June 30, 2025; green hydrogen projects until December 2030; and offshore wind projects until December 2032.

• Announced Renewable Purchase Obligation trajectory until 2029-30, including separate RPO for Decentralized Renewable Energy.

• A Project Development Cell has been established to attract and facilitate investments in the renewable sector.

• Standard Bidding Guidelines issued for tariff-based competitive bidding for procurement of power from grid-connected solar, wind, and wind-solar projects.

• Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks are being set up to provide land and transmission for large-scale renewable energy projects.

• Cabinet approval for a Viability Gap Funding scheme for offshore wind energy projects, facilitating the installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy capacity along the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

• Issued Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, for net-metering up to 500 kilowatts or the electrical sanctioned load, whichever is lower.

• The “National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023” has been released.

• “Strategy for Establishment of Offshore Wind Energy Projects” outlines a bidding trajectory of 37 GW by 2030.

• Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023, notified to regulate the grant of leases for offshore wind energy development.

• Procedure for Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff (URET) has been established.

• Standard & Labelling (S&L) programs for Solar Photovoltaic modules and grid-connected solar inverters have been launched.

• A transmission plan has been prepared to augment transmission infrastructure until 2030.

• The Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules have been notified.

• Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 have been issued to promote renewable energy.

• Launched the Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) to facilitate the sale of renewable energy power through exchanges.

• Orders issued to ensure that power is dispatched against Letters of Credit or advance payment for timely payments to renewable energy generators.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s renewable energy journey has reached a significant milestone, marked by the impressive achievement of over 200 GW of installed capacity. This accomplishment is a testament to the nation’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, driven by a diverse array of renewable sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The proactive initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and the PLI schemes for solar PV modules underscore the government’s strategic focus on enhancing energy generation capacity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With ambitious targets set for the future, including a goal of 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in renewable energy, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy security. These ongoing efforts reflect a holistic approach to building a greener economy, ensuring that India not only meets its energy needs but also addresses the pressing challenges of climate change and resource conservation.