Nation Hits 50 Percent Clean Energy Goal Ahead Of 2030
India has achieved a significant milestone, with 50% of its installed electricity capacity now sourced from non-fossil fuels, five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement. This accomplishment signals an accelerating momentum in the nation’s clean energy transition, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and a sustainable future. The rapid expansion of renewable power is a critical step towards building zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable cities across the subcontinent.
This pivotal announcement coincides with a remarkable surge in India’s renewable power output, which recorded its fastest growth since 2022 during the first half of 2025. Concurrently, coal-fired generation experienced a notable decline of nearly 3%, indicating a gradual but definite shift in the energy mix. While fossil fuels still accounted for over two-thirds of the overall increase in power generation last year, the early achievement of the 50% non-fossil capacity target highlights a strategic pivot towards cleaner energy sources.
The nation’s ambitious clean energy trajectory includes a revised target of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, encompassing hydro and nuclear power alongside solar and wind. This aggressive goal, despite missing the initial 2022 renewable target of 175 GW, demonstrates a renewed vigour in renewable energy deployment. The government’s proactive stance is further evidenced by its push for advanced energy solutions such as battery storage, promoting circularity in solar and wind components, and fostering green hydrogen initiatives to deepen decarbonisation efforts across the energy sector.
The rapid scaling of renewable energy infrastructure is crucial for fostering sustainable urban development. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, India is directly addressing air pollution and carbon emissions, leading to healthier urban environments. This transition also supports equitable access to energy, particularly in remote areas, and promotes gender-neutral growth by creating new employment opportunities in the green energy sector, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared more broadly across society.
Quantitatively, India’s commitment to renewables is evident in its impressive capacity additions. The country installed nearly 28 GW of solar and wind power in 2024 alone. Furthermore, in the first five months through May of the current year, an additional 16.3 GW of wind and solar capacity has already been integrated into the national grid. Excluding large hydro projects, renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 184.6 GW as of the end of June, showcasing a robust and expanding clean energy portfolio.
While India plans to expand coal-fired capacity by 80 GW by 2032 to meet escalating demand, this is viewed as a transitional measure to ensure energy security during the ongoing clean energy shift. The early achievement of the 50% non-fossil power milestone provides a strong foundation for future growth, enabling the nation to balance its energy needs with its environmental commitments. This strategic balance is vital for building a resilient economy that integrates environmental stewardship and social equity, paving the way for truly sustainable urban and industrial development.
