In Short : India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, with 218 GW already achieved. Rapid solar expansion led to 30 GW added in 2024 alone. To meet its goal, India must boost transmission infrastructure, energy storage, and financing. Policies supporting domestic manufacturing and recycling clean energy waste are key to sustaining growth and ensuring energy security.
In Detail : India is progressing steadily toward its goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. As of January 2025, the country has reached around 218 GW of renewable energy capacity, reflecting significant growth over the past few years and a strong commitment to clean energy development.
In 2024, India added approximately 30 GW of renewable energy capacity, more than doubling the 13.75 GW installed in 2023. Solar power continues to be the driving force behind this expansion, contributing the largest share of new capacity and positioning India as a major player in the global renewable energy sector.
Despite this impressive growth, India faces the challenge of adding around 50 GW of renewable capacity annually for the next six years to meet its 2030 target. This will require major improvements in power transmission systems to efficiently integrate renewable sources and avoid project delays.
Energy storage also remains a critical area for development to manage the variability of renewable power and ensure a stable supply. Large-scale storage solutions will be necessary to balance demand and supply, especially as renewable capacity grows rapidly.
The government has implemented several supportive policies, including incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar modules and wind turbines, and heavy investment in grid infrastructure. These measures aim to reduce dependence on imports and improve energy distribution efficiency.
However, India must also prepare for the recycling and waste management challenges posed by retired renewable components. Developing a circular economy around clean energy technologies will help reduce environmental impacts and unlock new economic opportunities, further solidifying India’s leadership in the global clean energy transition.
