India Crosses 50% Clean Energy Mark in Power Mix
In a landmark achievement for global climate action and India’s energy independence, the Government of India announced it has crossed the crucial milestone of sourcing 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources — five years ahead of its self-imposed 2030 deadline under the Paris Agreement.
This monumental shift highlights the country’s growing leadership in clean energy and reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future.
Major Milestone Achieved Five Years Ahead of 2030 Paris Agreement Target
India’s clean energy transition is no longer a distant aspiration — it’s a reality taking shape faster than predicted. The announcement on Monday underscores an accelerating momentum in the deployment of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy across the nation. According to official data, renewable power output increased at its fastest pace since 2022 in the first half of 2025, while coal-fired power generation dipped nearly 3%.
This achievement is especially significant as it comes just three years after India narrowly missed its 2022 renewable energy target of 175 GW. Since then, strategic policy shifts and an aggressive push for solar and wind projects have changed the tide. The government now aims for 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, a target that seems increasingly achievable.
Big Gains in Solar and Wind Installations
The renewable momentum is driven primarily by a robust surge in solar and wind capacity additions. India added nearly 28 GW of solar and wind energy in 2024 alone. In just the first five months of 2025, it has already added 16.3 GW, indicating that the pace is not only sustainable but rapidly scaling.
Behind these numbers lie major infrastructure investments, favourable government policies, and the participation of both public and private sector players. Adani Green Energy, NTPC, Tata Power, and ReNew Power are among the leading contributors to this wave of energy transformation, with projects such as the Ahmedabad-Narayan Sarovar wind park exemplifying India’s expansive renewable push.
Strategic Clean Energy Levers Beyond Wind and Solar
While wind and solar power dominate the headlines, India’s broader clean energy strategy also includes hydroelectric, nuclear, battery storage, and green hydrogen solutions. These emerging sectors are now being fast-tracked to strengthen energy security and decarbonize harder-to-abate sectors.
Efforts are underway to increase circularity in solar and wind components, making the supply chain more sustainable and less reliant on imported materials. At the same time, government incentives are being channelled towards battery storage technology, which is critical for stabilising grid fluctuations from variable renewable sources.
Moreover, the green hydrogen mission, launched in 2023, is beginning to bear fruit, with pilot projects across the industrial and transport sectors. India is poised to become a global hub for affordable green hydrogen production, adding another layer to its clean energy dominance.
Balancing Growth with Energy Demand
Despite this clean energy milestone, India faces a dual challenge: meeting the rising energy demands of its growing economy while ensuring environmental sustainability. While fossil fuels still accounted for over two-thirds of the increase in power generation last year, the government has clearly signalled its intent to phase down coal, even as it plans to expand coal-fired capacity by 80 GW by 2032 to handle base load demands.
This nuanced approach reflects the complexity of the energy transition in a developing economy — one that must power industrial growth, urbanisation, and rural electrification without compromising on climate commitments.
India’s Global Climate Leadership Strengthens
By reaching this milestone ahead of schedule, India has cemented its position as a global climate leader. In contrast to many developed economies still struggling to curb emissions, India has walked the talk by aligning policy, industry, and innovation towards a sustainable energy future.
This progress also strengthens India’s voice in international forums such as COP30, the G20, and the International Solar Alliance, where it has consistently called for climate justice, technology transfer, and finance for the Global South.
What This Means for the World
India’s clean energy journey is not just a domestic story. It sends a powerful message to other emerging economies that green growth is possible and necessary. The early achievement of a 50% clean energy capacity mix sets a global precedent, especially for countries navigating similar development trajectories.
The energy transition here is also creating significant co-benefits — new jobs, innovation opportunities, industrial investments, and improved air quality for millions.
A Greener, More Resilient India
With its eyes set on 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, India is not resting on its laurels. Policy frameworks are being fine-tuned to streamline land acquisition, grid integration, and financing mechanisms for clean energy projects.
The National Electricity Plan, updated in 2023, lays a strong foundation for scaling up renewables while ensuring reliability. Simultaneously, states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are leading by example with state-specific clean energy roadmaps and incentives.
India’s success is not merely about numbers — it’s about building a cleaner, more equitable energy future for 1.4 billion citizens and setting a template for the rest of the world.
India’s early achievement of sourcing 50% of its electricity capacity from clean energy sources is more than a policy win — it’s a bold statement of intent. The country is not just catching up; it’s setting the pace in the global clean energy race.
As the world inches closer to climate tipping points, India’s milestone reminds us that ambitious targets, backed by clear action, can indeed deliver transformational change.
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