• India's renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, accounting for over 46.3% of the country's total installed capacity.
• The renewable energy mix is diverse, with solar power leading at 92.12 GW, followed by wind power at 47.72 GW.
• India's total renewable energy installed capacity surged by 24.2 GW in just one year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024.
• The renewable energy sector has created over a million jobs.

India has made a significant stride in its renewable energy journey, surpassing 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, which accounts for more than 46.3% of the country's total installed capacity. This milestone was announced by the Centre on November 13, 2024.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) further revealed that the total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 203.18 GW. This is a significant step towards the country's ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030.

The renewable energy mix in India is diverse, with solar power leading the way. With a capacity of 92.12 GW, solar power plays a pivotal role in India's efforts to harness its abundant sunlight. Wind power follows closely with a capacity of 47.72 GW, capitalizing on the vast potential of the coastal and inland wind corridors across the country.

Hydroelectric power is another significant contributor to India's renewable energy capacity. Large hydro projects generate 46.93 GW, and small hydro power adds another 5.07 GW. This reliable and sustainable source of energy is derived from India's rivers and water systems.

India's Renewable Energy Growth and Job Creation

Biopower, which includes biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW to the renewable energy mix. India's total renewable energy installed capacity has seen an impressive surge of 24.2 GW (13.5%) in just one year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, up from 178.98 GW in October 2023. When nuclear energy is included, India's total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to 211.36 GW in 2024, compared to 186.46 GW in 2023.

This achievement underscores India's growing commitment to clean energy and its progress in building a greener future. It marks a major shift in the country's energy landscape, reflecting the country's growing reliance on cleaner, non-fossil fuel-based energy sources. When factoring in the 8,180 MW of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country's installed electricity generation capacity. This signals a strong move towards clean energy leadership on the global stage.

India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with renewable energy contributing a significant portion of the overall power mix. In 2023, India's renewable energy sector reached a significant milestone, with an estimated 1.02 million jobs created, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) 2024 Annual Review.

Government Initiatives and Global Impact

The global renewable energy workforce expanded to 16.2 million in 2023, up from 13.7 million in 2022, with India playing a significant role in this growth. The report, created in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), underscores India's increasing leadership in clean energy and its commitment to generating green jobs that fuel economic growth.

These efforts reflect the government's commitment to fostering a sustainable energy future while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and energy security. The government has implemented several key initiatives, such as permitting Foreign Direct Investment up to 100 percent under the automatic route to attract investments, waiving Inter-State Transmission System charges for solar and wind power projects commissioned by June 30, 2025, and establishing a Project Development Cell to attract and facilitate investments in the renewable sector.

The Indian wind sector provided employment to approximately 52,200 people in 2023, with around 40% in operations and maintenance and 35% in construction and installation. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is spearheading the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023, with a financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The primary objective of this mission is to position India as a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.