Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
India's Renewable Energy Capacity Hits New
Milestone
Renewable energy now constitutes more than 46.3% of total
capacity
Posted On: 13 NOV 2024 4:50PM
Introduction
India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the
country's total renewable energy capacity crossing the 200 GW (gigawatt). This
remarkable growth aligns with the country's ambitious renewable energy target of
achieving 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030.
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. 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.
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 203.18 GW, accounting
for more than 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 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.
Powering the Future: Renewable Energy Sparks a Surge in Job Opportunities
In 2023, India's renewable energy sector reached a significant milestone, with an estimated
1.02 million jobs created, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA)
2024 Annual Review. The global renewable energy workforce expanded to 16.2 million in
2023, up from 13.7 million in 2022, with India playing a significant role in this growth. The
report, created in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO),
underscores India's increasing leadership in clean energy and its commitment to generating
green jobs that fuel economic growth.
Hydropower emerged as the largest employer within the sector, providing around 453,000
jobs, which accounted for 20% of the global total, second only to China. The solar
photovoltaic (PV) sector followed closely, employing approximately 318,600 people across
both on-grid and off-grid systems. In 2023, India added 9.7 GW of solar PV capacity, ranking
fifth globally for new installations and cumulative capacity, which reached 72.7 GW by the
end of the year. Of the total solar workforce, 238,000 jobs were in grid-connected solar PV,
reflecting an 18% increase from 2022, while around 80,000 individuals worked in the off-grid
solar sector.
The wind sector employed about 52,200 people, with nearly 40% of these jobs in operations
and maintenance and 35% in construction and installation. Other renewable energy
subsectors also contributed to job creation, with liquid biofuels providing 35,000 jobs, solid
biomass contributing 58,000 jobs, and biogas generating 85,000 jobs. Additionally, the solar
heating and cooling sector employed 17,000 people, highlighting the diverse and expanding
employment opportunities within India's renewable energy industry.
India Rising to Global Commitments
India’s commitment to addressing climate change is reflected in its enhanced Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, incorporating the five
elements outlined at COP26 in Glasgow. These efforts align with the principles of equity and
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC),
considering national circumstances. As part of the updated NDC submitted to the UNFCCC
(United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in August 2022, India has
committed to reducing its emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels),
achieving 50% of cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030,
and promoting a sustainable way of living through the 'LIFE' (Lifestyle for
Environment) movement. These targets also contribute to India’s long-term goal of reaching
net-zero emissions by 2070, supported by the 'Long-term Low Carbon Development
Strategy' submitted to the UNFCCC in November 2022.
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.
*As on November 13
Source: https://npp.gov.in/dashBoard/cp-map-dashboard
Together, these states play a crucial role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and
establishing a more sustainable energy future.
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.
References:
v. https://npp.gov.in/dashBoard/gc-map-dashboard
v. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AS31_fzdQcL.pdf?source=pqals
v. https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153238&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
v. https://cea.nic.in/?lang=en
v. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072828
v. https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153238&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
v. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1882840
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