India attains milestone of 100 gigawatts solar power generation capacity
India Achieves 100 GW of Installed Solar Power Capacity, Leading the Global Renewable Energy Race
In a historic milestone for the country's renewable energy sector, India has surpassed 100 Gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity, making it a global leader in this field. This significant achievement was announced by the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, who described India's energy journey over the past ten years as "historic and inspiring."
As of January 31, 2025, India's total solar capacity installed stands at 100.33 GW. Of this, 84.10 GW is currently under implementation, and an additional 47.49 GW is under tendering, indicating a promising future for solar energy in the country.
The solar power sector in India has witnessed an extraordinary 3450% increase in capacity over the past decade. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 24.5 GW of solar capacity was added, reflecting a more than two-fold increase in solar installations compared to 2023. Last year, India installed 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity, a nearly 2.8 times increase compared to 2023.
Solar energy remains the dominant contributor to India's renewable energy growth, accounting for 47% of the total installed renewable energy capacity. Initiatives like solar panels, solar parks, and rooftop solar projects have brought about revolutionary changes in India's energy sector.
One such initiative is the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024. This programme is nearing nine lakh (900,000) rooftop solar installations and is making rooftop solar a household reality. It is a game-changer in sustainable energy, making it more accessible and affordable for Indian households.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are among the top-performing states in utility-scale solar installations. These states have benefited from abundant sunlight, supportive policies, and large-scale solar projects that have driven India's solar capacity growth significantly.
India's hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy projects are also advancing rapidly. With continued policy support, India is aiming to achieve a solar module production capacity of 100 GW by 2030. This ambition, if realised, would further solidify India's position as a global leader in renewable energy.
The achievement is a testament to India's commitment to a cleaner, greener future and a significant step towards realizing its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. This ambitious goal, if achieved, would significantly reduce India's reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Read also:
- Transforming Digital Inventories in the Food Industry: A Comprehensive Guide for Food Businesses
- Munich Airport Unveils Its New Electrical Vehicle Charging Parksite
- Vehicle electrification and bidirectional charging technologies could potentially reduce EU energy expenses by a staggering €22 billion annually by the year 2040.
- Rapid Construction of Rajasthan's 435 Megawatt Solar Power Plant in Eight Months Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Over 700,000 Tons
