India has reached a significant clean energy milestone, with over 50% of its total installed power generation capacity now sourced from non-fossil fuel technologies. This includes renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and other emerging green technologies. The country has reached this milestone five years ahead of the target pledged under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of the Paris Climate Agreement.
As of June 2025, India’s total installed power capacity stands at 484.8 GW, of which 234 GW is attributed to renewable energy, including large hydropower. An additional 8.7 GW comes from nuclear sources, pushing the share of non-fossil fuel-based generation to just over 50%. Thermal power—largely coal-fired—accounts for the remaining 242 GW. Senior officials from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy noted that this accelerated shift reflects a clear policy pivot towards sustainable infrastructure, enhanced energy security, and long-term economic resilience. They highlighted that India’s clean energy expansion has been supported by robust policy frameworks, financial incentives, global partnerships, and domestic innovation.
Initially, India had set a goal of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022. However, this target was revised upwards to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 during the COP26 summit in Glasgow. The expanded target has broadened the scope beyond solar and wind, incorporating hydroelectric projects, nuclear power, green hydrogen, and emerging low-emission technologies. This policy recalibration acknowledges the critical role of large hydropower projects and nuclear energy in maintaining grid stability and supporting baseload power demands, particularly as India transitions toward intermittent sources like solar and wind. In parallel, the government has also launched initiatives to scale up green hydrogen production and incentivise battery storage infrastructure.
Energy sector analysts said India’s progress reinforces its position as a key player in global climate action. They pointed out that reaching this milestone ahead of schedule not only boosts investor confidence but also strengthens India’s credibility in international negotiations around climate finance and technology transfers. Urban sustainability advocates welcomed the achievement but cautioned that generation capacity does not always translate to consumption share. While India’s grid is greener on paper, fossil fuels still dominate electricity consumption due to load balancing and transmission constraints. Experts stressed the need for accelerated reforms in distribution systems and the development of smart grids to fully harness the potential of clean power.
Nevertheless, India’s rapid clean energy transition marks a critical shift towards low-carbon development, and its early achievement of this target could serve as a template for other developing economies seeking to decarbonise without compromising growth.
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