India Crosses 300 GW Non-Fossil
Fuel Power Capacity
Prelims:
Environment
and Ecology
Mains:
GS Paper III- Indian Economy, Infrastructure – Energy
Current relevance:
India crossed 300 GW of
non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity generation capacity as reaching
300.50 GW. This represents over 60% of India’s target of 500 GW
non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Highlights:
1.
Non-fossil
sources now constitute over 54% of India’s total installed
electricity generation capacity, which stands at around 552 GW.
2. Solar energy
is the principal growth engine, expanding from 2.8 GW in 2014 to
around 165 GW in 2026.
3. Wind capacity increased from 21 GW in 2014
to over 58 GW.
Expansion of Clean Energy
1.
India
added a record 55.29 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity during 2025–26,
including 44.6 GW of solar and 6 GW of wind power.
2. Renewable energy generation increased from 190.96
billion units (BU) in 2014–15 to 477.79 BU in 2025–26.
3. India has already achieved over 60% of its
targeted 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Solar
Manufacturing:
1.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme supports
high-efficiency, domestically produced solar modules, while the enlisted
capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for Solar PV Modules
has crossed 200
GW, compared with just 2.3 GW in 2014.
Green Hydrogen:
1. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is pursuing industrial decarbonisation through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position India as a global hub for the production, use and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
Significance:
2.
Energy Transition: Accelerates the shift
from fossil fuels towards cleaner and renewable energy sources.
3.
Climate Action: Strengthens India’s
progress towards achieving its climate and clean-energy commitments.
4.
Energy Security: Greater use of
domestic renewable energy can lower dependence on imported fossil fuels.
5.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Expanding domestic
solar manufacturing strengthens indigenous capabilities and supply-chain
resilience.
6.
Industrial
Competitiveness: Growth in renewable energy and green hydrogen can support new
industries and enhance export opportunities.
7.
Economic Resilience: A diversified energy
mix can reduce India’s exposure to fluctuations in global fossil-fuel prices.
Source: PIB- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2296782®=48&lang=2