Madhumitha Jaganmohan
Research expert covering climate and environmental sustainability
Renewable energy in India - statistics & facts
India, home to about 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, has recently strengthened its position as a leader in renewable energy. Endowed with significant renewable energy resources, India is rapidly transforming its energy landscape. As of 2023, India’s 176 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity makes it the fourth-leading nation in renewable power capacity worldwide. Moreover, the Asian country’s electricity production from renewable sources more than doubled between 2012 and 2023. Despite these developments, India’s overall energy mix was still dominated by thermal energy from coal and oil. However, the energy sector will see a shift towards renewables in the future.
India is well on its way to a future powered by renewable energy. With ample resources and ambitious goals, the country is set to lead the world in clean energy and inspire global transformations.
A diverse mix of renewable energy sources
In terms of installed capacity, solar and hydropower are currently the leading sources of renewable energy in India. With an installed capacity of more than 52 gigawatts, India is among the world leaders in cumulative hydropower capacity. Meanwhile, solar power capacity surpassed 73 gigawatts in 2023. India has recently seen impressive growth in its wind energy sector. Since 2010, installed wind capacity has more than tripled, amounting to almost 44 gigawatts in 2023. Biogas is another crucial renewable energy source. Though biogas capacity in India has not reached the levels of solar, hydro, or wind, biogas use is widespread, with more than five million biogas plants located across the country.India’s solar power revolution
The Indian government’s National Solar Mission was unveiled in 2010 to promote innovations in solar power through research and development and solar-friendly policy initiatives. The plan set an initial goal of 20 gigawatts of installed solar energy capacity by 2022. This target was reached four years ahead of schedule and was revised to 100 gigawatts by 2022, a target that was not met. However, between 2012 and 2022, India’s solar capacity grew by a factor of about 64. These developments should not be surprising considering India’s massive land area and abundant sunshine. India’s National Institute of Solar Energy estimates the country’s solar capacity potential to be around 750 gigawatts.India is well on its way to a future powered by renewable energy. With ample resources and ambitious goals, the country is set to lead the world in clean energy and inspire global transformations.
