India has reached a significant milestone in its clean energy transition by achieving its highest-ever annual renewable energy capacity addition of 25 gigawatts (GW) in the financial year 2024–25.
The latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy confirms that this expansion has pushed the country’s cumulative non-fossil fuel installed capacity to 222.86 GW as of February 2025, a striking leap from previous years. This exceptional surge not only cements India’s global position as a frontrunner in green energy adoption but also reflects its accelerating shift away from conventional carbon-intensive power generation systems. Out of the total installed power generation capacity of 483.26 GW by March 2025, nearly half now comes from clean sources. The solar energy sector has emerged as the most dominant contributor, accounting for a staggering 102.57 GW, having grown from 81.81 GW the previous year.
This represents an unprecedented annual increase of 20.76 GW, the largest solar addition recorded in Indian energy history. Alongside this growth, wind energy too saw modest progress, rising from 45.89 GW to 48.59 GW, while other renewables like hydro and bio-power maintained stable contributions to the national mix. One of the most transformative developments in the sector was the scaling up of solar manufacturing infrastructure under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The country’s solar module production capacity nearly doubled in the financial year, from 38 GW to 74 GW, while solar photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing tripled from 9 GW to 25 GW. Adding to the upstream strength, India’s first ingot-wafer manufacturing facility, capable of 2 GW production, commenced operations in the same period, signalling the country’s intent to establish self-sufficiency in the entire solar value chain.
This progress was underpinned by proactive measures taken by key Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies such as SECI, NTPC, NHPC, and SJVN, which together floated tenders aggregating 44 GW of clean energy procurement in FY25. These investments not only enhance supply-side readiness but also indicate growing demand for sustainable energy among utilities and industries nationwide. Significantly, India’s solar journey has registered a 3537% increase over the last decade—from just 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 102 GW in 2025—highlighting both policy continuity and private sector confidence.
The announcement also drew attention on social media, with the Prime Minister acknowledging the nation’s collective progress towards a sustainable future. In a post he lauded the 25 GW addition as a testament to the people’s resolve and commitment to greener living, indicating that energy policy in India is as much a public aspiration as it is a strategic economic imperative.
While challenges remain in grid integration, energy storage, and equitable distribution, this year’s growth undeniably sets a high benchmark for future progress. As India chases its target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the record achieved in FY25 serves as a reminder that clean energy is no longer a distant goal, but a fast-approaching reality powered by innovation, resilience, and political will.
