Non fossil energy capacity of India has reached 50 per cent energy generation. Country has created history by achieving its clean energy target five years before the deadline, while the original target under the Paris Agreement was set for 2030.
This achievement reflects India’s strong commitment to its climate goals despite being a developing economy with a large population and rising energy demands.
What Was Target For Non Fossil Energy Capacity of India
Under the Paris Agreement, India committed to installing 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), as of June 2025:
India’s total installed capacity: 484.8 GW
Renewable + low-carbon sources: 242.8 GW
This means that nearly half of India’s energy capacity is now based on clean sources, including solar, wind, biomass, large hydro, and nuclear.
Global Comparison: Where Does India Stand?
While India has achieved this milestone ahead of time, Western countries still largely depend on fossil fuels:
| Region | Fossil Fuel Share (Latest Data) | Renewable Progress |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | 70.9% (2022) | Declined by 11.5% since 1990 |
| United States | 84% (2023) | Minor improvement in recent years |
| India | <50% (2025) | Achieved target 5 years early |
Despite having one-third of the global average per capita emissions, India is among the few G20 nations on track to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris climate commitments.
India’s Renewable Energy Mix
Here is a snapshot of India’s installed energy capacity as of June 2025:
Thermal (coal, gas, oil): 49.92%
Nuclear: 1.81%
Renewable (including large hydropower): 48.27%
This balance shows how renewables are rapidly catching up with thermal sources. The growth is mainly driven by solar power, followed by wind and hydro.
Solar Energy Growth in India
Below is an illustrative bar table depicting the rise in India’s solar power capacity over the past decade:
| Year | Installed Solar Capacity (GW) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 4.5 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2023 | 67 |
| 2025 | 82 |
Note: Figures are approximate, sourced from MNRE progress reports.
The table clearly shows exponential growth after 2015, especially due to government schemes promoting rooftop solar installations and large utility-scale solar parks.
Key Policies Behind India’s Achievement
1. Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
One of the major drivers of solar adoption at the household level is the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (Prime Minister’s Solar Rooftop Free Electricity Scheme).
Impact of the Scheme:
Provides up to ₹78,000 subsidy for installing 1-3 kW rooftop solar panels.
Targets 1 crore households to install solar on rooftops.
Enables families to generate free electricity up to 300 units per month.
Encourages public participation, ensuring benefits reach rural and urban middle-class families.
Generates additional income as surplus power can be sold to the grid under net metering policies.
According to Saurabh Kumar, Vice President of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, public involvement through such schemes has been crucial in India’s clean energy journey.
2. Green Energy Corridors
To transmit power from solar and wind-rich states to consumption centres, Green Energy Corridor projects have been implemented. This ensures stable grid integration and reduced curtailment losses.
3. Solar Parks Scheme
Under this, large land parcels are developed as solar parks, providing ready infrastructure for developers. This has significantly reduced project implementation time.
4. Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
India also launched policies to promote hybrid plants combining wind and solar, enabling better utilisation of transmission infrastructure and balancing variability in renewable generation.
The Road Ahead: Storage and Grid Modernization
While achieving 50% clean energy capacity is a big milestone, the next phase will focus on:
Strengthening transmission grids to handle high renewable penetration.
Scaling up battery and pumped hydro storage to balance intermittent supply.
Promoting green hydrogen production as an alternative clean fuel for industries and transport.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi posted on X:
“In a world seeking climate solutions, India is leading the way.”
This indicates India’s aspiration to become a global leader in climate action and renewable energy deployment.
Why Is India’s Achievement Important Globally?
Inspiration for Developing Nations:
India shows that large developing countries can pursue economic growth alongside climate commitments.Emission Reduction:
With rapid renewable adoption, India can avoid millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing significantly to global climate goals.Energy Security:
Renewable energy reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving India’s energy security and reducing forex expenditure.Economic Growth:
The renewable sector generates massive employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, operations, and maintenance.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its achievements, India still faces challenges:
Upgrading the grid infrastructure to handle 24×7 renewable supply.
Financing large-scale battery storage projects.
Ensuring local manufacturing of solar cells and modules to reduce import dependence under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Managing land acquisition and environmental concerns in large solar and wind projects.
Conclusion
India’s feat of achieving 50% non-fossil fuel energy generation five years ahead of schedule is a testament to strong policy initiatives, public participation, and technological advancements. While Western countries are still struggling to decarbonise, India has shown that strategic planning, mass adoption schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, and focus on renewables can drive remarkable results.
With continued investment in grid modernisation, energy storage, and green hydrogen, India is set to become a global leader in clean energy. The country’s journey can indeed be a lesson for the entire Global South, proving that a sustainable future is possible with the right vision and inclusive policies.
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