India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Electricity Capacity, Five Years Ahead of Target

India has announced a significant milestone in its energy transition, reaching 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. This achievement comes five years ahead of its 2030 target set under the Paris Agreement.

Key Highlights from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy:

• Ahead of Schedule: India has met its 2030 non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2025, demonstrating strong commitment to climate action and sustainable development.
• Driving Factors: This progress is attributed to visionary policy design and bold implementation of flagship programs, including:
  • PM-KUSUM: A scheme for farmers to set up solar power plants and solarize agriculture pumps.
  • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: A scheme promoting rooftop solar installations for households.
  • Solar park development.
  • National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy.
• Co-Benefits: Beyond decarbonizing the power sector, these initiatives have also provided:
  • Enhanced energy access.
  • Employment generation.
  • Reduced pollution.
  • Stronger rural incomes.
• Global Significance: India’s achievement is globally significant, positioning it among the few G20 countries on track to meet or exceed its climate commitments, despite having low per capita emissions.
• Future Priorities: Looking ahead, India aims to further prioritize:
  • Quality, equity, and resilience in clean energy access.
  • Doubling per capita clean electricity consumption.
  • Building a robust smart grid.
  • Expanding energy storage systems.
  • Investing in green hydrogen.
• Technological Focus: Artificial Intelligence and digitalization are identified as crucial for future energy infrastructure, with cybersecurity noted as a key challenge.

Installed Electricity Capacity by Source (RE + Large Hydro Combined)

Sector	Capacity (in GW)	Percentage
Thermal	242.04 GW	49.92%
Nuclear	8.78 GW	1.81%
RE (including Large Hydro)	234.00 GW	48.27%
Total	484.82 GW	100%

Installed Electricity Capacity by Source (Large Hydro and RE Shown Separately)

Sector	Capacity (in GW)	Percentage
Thermal	242.04 GW	49.92%
Nuclear	8.78 GW	1.81%
Large Hydro	49.38 GW	10.19%
RE	184.62 GW	38.08%
Total	484.82 GW	100%

Fossil vs Non-Fossil Energy Share in Installed Capacity

Sector	Capacity (in GW)	Percentage
Thermal	242.04 GW	49.92%
Non-Fossil Fuel (RE+ LH+Nuclear)	242.78 GW	50.08%
Total	484.82 GW	100%

(Source: PIB)