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Climate Change 17-Oct, 2024

India's Renewable Energy Capacity Hits 200 GW Milestone

By: Team India Tracker

India's Renewable Energy Capacity Hits 200 GW Milestone

This remarkable number is a result of numerous renewable energy sources. Image Source: Getty Images

With renewable energy making up a sizable amount of the power mix, India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW.

As of October 10, 2024, India's total renewable energy capacity surpassed 200 GW (gigawatts), marking a major milestone in the nation's renewable energy path. The Central Electricity Authority reports that the current overall capacity for electricity generation based on renewable energy is 201.45 GW. This accomplishment demonstrates India's increasing dedication to renewable energy and its advancements in creating a more environmentally friendly future.

With renewable energy making up a sizable amount of the power mix, India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW. At 201.45 GW as of October 2024, renewable energy-based power generation capacity makes up 46.3 percent of the nation's installed capacity. The country's increasing reliance on cleaner, non-fossil fuel-based energy sources is reflected in this significant change in India's energy landscape.

This remarkable number is a result of numerous renewable energy sources. With 90.76 GW, solar power tops the field and is essential to India's attempts to capture its abundant sunlight. With 47.36 GW, wind power comes in second, propelled by the enormous potential of the nation's inland and coastal wind corridors. Another significant contributor is hydroelectric power, which provides a reliable and sustainable source of energy from India's rivers and water systems. Large hydro projects generate 46.92 GW, while minor hydro projects produce 5.07 GW.

An additional 11.32 GW is added to the mix of renewable energy sources by biopower, which includes biomass and biogas energy. These bioenergy projects are essential for increasing the variety of renewable energy sources available in India by using organic materials and agricultural waste to produce electricity. When combined, these renewable resources are assisting the nation in lowering its reliance on conventional fossil fuels and advancing the transition to a more robust and sustainable energy future.

According to the REN21 Renewables 2024 Global Status Report, India is ranked fourth in the world for installed capacity of renewable energy (including large hydro), fourth for wind power, and fifth for solar power.At the COP26, the nation raised its goal to 500 GW of energy derived from non-fossil fuels by 2030. One of the main promises made under the Panchamrit has been this. This is the biggest renewable energy expansion plan in the world.

Renewable Energy Capacity in India

Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

The fiscal allocation for solar power grid infrastructure development increased significantly from Rs. 4,970 Crore ($0.60 billion) to Rs. 8,500 Crore ($1.02 billion) in the Interim Budget for 2024–2025. Additionally, Rs. 17,490 crores ($2.10 billion) were set out for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Program and the Green Hydrogen Mission. 

According to the data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India's non-conventional energy sector has attracted $15.36 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) between April 2000 and September 2023. Since 2014, the renewable energy sector in India has received investments of over Rs. 5.2 lakh crore ($70 billion).

A number of Indian states have become leaders in the field of renewable energy, greatly advancing the country. Rajasthan, which benefits from its large land area and enough sunshine, leads the list with an amazing 29.98 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. Gujarat, which has a capacity of 29.52 GW and is mostly focused on solar and wind energy projects, comes in second. With 23.70 GW, Tamil Nadu comes in third place and uses its advantageous wind patterns to produce a significant amount of electricity. With a 22.37 GW capacity and a combination of wind and solar projects, Karnataka completes the top four. Collectively, these states are essential to achieving India's renewable energy targets and building a more sustainable energy landscape.

Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

With the remarkable accomplishment of more than 200 GW of installed capacity, India's renewable energy path has reached a major milestone. This achievement demonstrates the country's dedication to a sustainable energy future powered by a wide range of renewable resources, such as bioenergy, wind, sun, and hydropower. The government's strategic commitment on increasing energy generation capacity while lowering dependency on fossil fuels is demonstrated by the proactive efforts like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and the PLI schemes for solar PV modules. With aggressive goals set for the future, such as achieving 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030, India is ideally positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy, promoting energy security and environmental sustainability.

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