India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Power Capacity, Five Years Ahead of Schedule

NEW DELHI, July 26 2025 – India has reached a historic milestone in its energy transition journey by achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of the 2030 target outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This achievement underscores India’s growing role as a global leader in clean energy and climate action.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, hailed the development as a “proud moment for every Indian,” crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for accelerating the nation’s green transformation. “In a world seeking climate solutions, India is showing the way,” he said, highlighting the government’s focus on building a self-reliant and sustainable energy future.

Policy-Driven Clean Energy Growth

India’s success is rooted in an ambitious mix of policy initiatives and ground-level implementation. Flagship schemes such as PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan), which provides solar-powered pumps to farmers, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which launched in 2024 to promote rooftop solar for one crore households, have played pivotal roles. The development of solar parks, the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, and bioenergy initiatives have further contributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy.

Wind energy, particularly in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, continues to provide critical support during peak demand, while bioenergy projects have advanced both rural employment and circular economy objectives. These initiatives have collectively helped decarbonise India’s power sector while delivering social and economic co-benefits, including improved energy access, job creation, and public health outcomes.

India’s Global Standing in Climate Leadership

India is one of the few G20 nations on track to meet – and even exceed – its Paris Agreement commitments, despite having one of the lowest per capita emissions globally. At international forums, including the G20 and UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties, India has consistently advocated for equitable and sustainable development pathways.

The country’s early achievement of 50% non-fossil capacity sends a strong signal to the global community: economic growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.

Technology and the Road Ahead

Looking forward, India aims to scale its clean energy ambitions even further, targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. The integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro will be vital to ensuring grid stability, while the push for green hydrogen is set to transform industrial decarbonisation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are poised to reshape India’s energy landscape, enabling smarter grid management, predictive maintenance, and consumer participation in energy markets. However, with increased digital reliance comes the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.

As of 30 June 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity stands at 484.82 GW, with 242.78 GW (50.08%) coming from non-fossil sources (renewables, large hydro, and nuclear).