India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its clean energy journey, with non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity surging to 266.78 gigawatts, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi announced on Wednesday. This remarkable progress underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development amid global calls for greener energy transitions.
The figure represents a significant leap, now accounting for over 42% of the country’s total installed power capacity. Joshi highlighted this during a press briefing, crediting the government’s strategic initiatives like the National Solar Mission and ambitious renewable energy targets. ‘This is a testament to India’s resolve in combating climate change while ensuring energy security,’ he stated.
Key contributors to this growth include solar power, which has seen exponential expansion, wind energy projects across coastal states, and large-scale hydropower installations. In the past decade alone, renewable capacity has more than quadrupled, driven by falling costs of solar panels and improved grid infrastructure.
Experts point to policy reforms such as the Production Linked Incentive scheme and eased FDI norms as catalysts. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu lead the charge with vast solar parks and wind farms dotting their landscapes.
Looking ahead, Joshi revealed plans to push non-fossil capacity beyond 500 GW by 2030, aligning with India’s Paris Agreement pledges. Challenges remain, including grid integration and storage solutions, but innovations in battery tech offer hope.
This achievement not only bolsters India’s global standing but also paves the way for energy self-reliance, reducing import dependence on coal and oil. As the world grapples with energy crises, India’s model emerges as a blueprint for emerging economies.