Context:
Recently, India has achieved a significant milestone in its quest for renewable energy by surpassing 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity, solidifying its position as a global leader in clean energy. This achievement is not only a testament to the country’s ambitious goals but also a pivotal step towards reaching target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.
Growth in Solar Power
India's solar sector has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade. The installed solar capacity has surged from a modest 2.82 GW in 2014 to a remarkable 100.33 GW by January 31, 2025, marking an astonishing increase of 3,450%.
Currently, there are 84.10 GW of solar projects under implementation, and an additional 47.49 GW is in the tendering phase, highlighting the rapid expansion of the sector.
Hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy projects are also progressing at a fast pace, with 64.67 GW under development. This brings the combined total of solar and hybrid projects to 296.59 GW.
As of now, solar energy accounts for 47% of India’s total installed renewable energy capacity, making it the dominant contributor to the country’s renewable energy growth.
States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have been at the forefront of this growth, contributing significantly to India's overall utility-scale solar capacity.
The rooftop solar sector has also seen remarkable growth, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed in 2024, reflecting a 53% increase from 2023. A key driver of this progress is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a program launched in 2024 to make rooftop solar installations more accessible to households across India.
Growth in Solar Manufacturing
India has also made impressive strides in solar manufacturing, an essential component of its renewable energy ambitions. In 2014, the country had a limited solar module production capacity of just 2 GW. Fast forward to 2024, and that capacity has grown to 60 GW, cementing India's position as a global leader in solar manufacturing.
With continued policy support, India aims to reach a 100 GW solar module production capacity by 2030, further strengthening its role in the global renewable energy market.
About India's Panchamrit goals:
India's Panchamrit goals are a set of five targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy. The goals were announced by the Indian government at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in 2021.
The Panchamrit goals
· Non-fossil fuel capacity: Increase non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030
· Renewable energy: Meet 50% of energy needs with renewable energy by 2030
· Carbon emissions: Reduce total carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030
· Carbon intensity: Reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels
· Net-zero emissions: Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070
Conclusion:
The achievement of 100 GW in solar power capacity reflects India’s commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.. Through targeted policies and initiatives, India is ensuring that its renewable energy sector continues to grow rapidly, ensuring clean, affordable, and sustainable energy for millions of people across the country.
This milestone is more than just a number; it symbolizes India’s growing influence in the global energy sector and reinforces its resolve to be a world leader in renewable energy. With ambitious goals for the future, India is on track to not only meet but exceed its energy targets for 2030, setting a powerful example for other nations to follow.
