In Short : India added 6.9 GW of solar open access capacity in 2024, a 77% rise from 2023, driven by low-cost Chinese imports. Maharashtra led with 18% of installations, followed by Rajasthan and Karnataka. The total capacity reached 20.2 GW, but challenges like weak tender demand and project delays threaten India’s 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030.
In Detail : India achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy by adding 6.9 GW of solar open access capacity in 2024, marking a 77% increase from the 3.9 GW installed in 2023. This growth was largely fueled by the availability of low-cost Chinese solar modules, imported before the reimplementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order. The surge reflects the increasing interest in open access solar projects among commercial and industrial consumers seeking cost-effective green energy solutions.
Maharashtra emerged as the leading state in new solar open access installations, contributing nearly 18% of the total capacity added. Rajasthan and Karnataka followed closely, accounting for around 15% and 14%, respectively. By the end of 2024, India’s cumulative solar open access capacity had reached 20.2 GW, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat holding the largest shares. These states have been key players in India’s renewable energy transition, benefiting from supportive policies and infrastructure.
Despite the rapid expansion, India’s renewable energy sector continues to face challenges. Weak demand for tenders, project delays, and power purchase agreement cancellations have slowed progress. In 2024, 8.5 GW of utility-scale renewable energy tenders remained undersubscribed due to concerns over project structures and transmission constraints. Such hurdles could pose risks to India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
To stay on track with its clean energy goals, India needs to double its annual additions of solar and wind capacity over the next five years. In 2024, the country installed nearly 28 GW of renewable energy, with solar accounting for 70% of the total. However, fossil fuels still dominated power generation growth, highlighting the need for an accelerated shift towards renewables. Strengthening policies and improving grid infrastructure will be crucial in achieving long-term sustainability.
Land acquisition remains a major obstacle to India’s green energy expansion. Several large-scale projects have faced opposition from local communities, leading to delays and uncertainty. For instance, Tata Power’s 100-megawatt solar project in Nandgaon, Maharashtra, encountered resistance from farmers, raising concerns about balancing development with local interests. Addressing these challenges will require better stakeholder engagement and policy interventions to ensure smooth implementation of renewable projects.
India’s strong momentum in solar open access growth is a positive sign for the country’s renewable energy transition. However, overcoming key challenges such as tender undersubscription, project delays, and land disputes will be essential to sustaining progress. With the right policy measures and infrastructure improvements, India can accelerate its clean energy expansion and move closer to achieving its ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets.
