Renewables surge as India marches towards 500 GW by 2030
In a significant development, India has continued to make strides in its renewable energy sector, with a notable addition of 3.7 GW in the third quarter. This achievement propels the nation's total renewable energy capacity, including large hydropower stations, to an impressive 177.1 GW, solidifying its position as a leader in green energy adoption.
The latest data reveals that renewable energy now commands a substantial 41.8 percent share of India's power mix, underlining the growing importance of clean energy sources in the country's energy landscape. Quarter-on-quarter, the nation has witnessed a substantial increase in installed renewable capacity, surging from 173.4 GW in the second quarter, demonstrating India's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) parks have played a pivotal role in this surge, contributing 16.4 percent to the installed power generation capacity. This marks a notable increase from the previous quarter, where solar PV accounted for 15.9 percent of the mix. Wind farms also continue to make significant contributions, comprising 10.4 percent of the national power generation mix.
Moreover, large hydropower plants (HPPs) have secured an 11 percent share, further diversifying India's energy portfolio. These figures, derived from Mercom's India solar project tracker and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) data, reflect the country's ongoing commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
However, conventional power plants still account for a significant portion of India's energy generation, with 246.8 GW of installed capacity as of the end of September, representing 58.2 percent of all installations. The majority of this capacity is derived from coal-fired plants, totaling 207 GW.
India's renewable energy journey is far from over, with an ambitious target of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal underscores India's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting sustainability, and securing a cleaner and greener energy future for its citizens.