How India is Growing in the Race of Global Renewable Energy?

India, with its increasing population and quickly expanding economy, has emerged as a global leader in the shift to renewable energy. As of 2025, India is fourth in wind power and fifth in solar power capacity worldwide. Its aggressive renewable energy targets, along with innovative policies and state-specific contributions, are resulting in exceptional achievements.
This blog explores the condition of renewable energy in India, highlighting the contributions of various states.

India’s Renewable Energy Sector: A Glimpse

India’s total installed renewable energy capacity has surpassed 125 GW, with solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower all contributing considerably to this accomplishment. As part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement, the government plans to attain 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 in order to ensure energy security and reduce carbon emissions.
The government’s National Solar Mission and National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy have helped to enhance renewable energy investments and infrastructure. Financial incentives, tax breaks, and subsidies have enticed both domestic and international investors.

National Progress in Renewable Energy

Significant investments and supportive government policies have fuelled India’s growth in green energy production. Between October 2023 and October 2024, India’s installed renewable energy capacity grew by roughly 24.2 GW, representing a 13.5% increase.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reported the following total achievements by November 2024:

Wind Power: 47,959.13 megawatts
Solar Power: 94,167.83 megawatts
Small Hydropower: 5,084.25 MW.
Biomass (Bagasse) Cogeneration: 9,806.42MW
Total Renewable Energy Capacity: 158,552.41 MW.

State-Wise Contribution to Renewable Energy

Rajasthan:

Rajasthan, which leads the country in installed green energy capacity with 29.98 GW, has used its vast arid regions and high solar irradiation to establish itself as a solar power producing hub.

Gujarat:

Gujarat, with a close second at 29.52 GW, has made major investments in both solar and wind energy projects, taking advantage of its wide coastline and favourable winds.

Karnataka:

Karnataka is well-known for its proactive green energy regulations, and it has built extensive solar and wind infrastructure, which contributes significantly to the national grid.

Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu is India’s greatest generator of wind energy, with more than 10 GW of capacity. In addition, the state is investing in solar and hybrid energy projects to expand its Clean energy portfolio.

Maharashtra:

As one of India’s most industrialized states, Maharashtra has diversified its energy mix by investing in renewables such as solar, wind, and biomass.

Uttar Pradesh:

Despite being mostly dependent on conventional power, Uttar Pradesh has made progress in solar and biomass energy, with 6 GW of installed capacity. To ensure long-term energy access, its rural electrification programs make use of renewable energy sources.

Challenges of India’s Renewable Energy Journey

Despite its impressive accomplishments, India faces various challenges:

Grid Infrastructure:

Expanding green energy capacity necessitates a reliable and efficient system capable of handling intermittent power generation.

Land Acquisition:

Finding adequate land for large-scale projects can be difficult, both legally and logistically.

Financing:

High upfront expenses and volatile market circumstances dissuade some investors from green energy projects.

Policy Implementation:

Although India has lofty objectives, local implementation is often slowed by bureaucratic impediments.

India’s Renewable Energy Targets

India’s experience with renewable energy is far from done. Key strategies for accelerating progress are:

Increasing Offshore Wind Power:

Creating offshore wind farms, mainly along the Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.

Storage Solutions:

Developing battery technology and energy storage technologies to overcome intermittent challenges.

Decentralised Renewable Energy:

Promoting decentralised energy technologies like rooftop solar and community-based mini-grids to power distant locations.

Green Hydrogen:

Investigating green hydrogen as a clean fuel for sectors such as transportation and heavy industry.

Conclusion

India’s breakthrough in renewable energy demonstrates how sustainable development and economic growth can coexist. States such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are leading the way, but each state has a role to play in reaching national objectives.
As India works towards its 500 GW objective by 2030, collaboration among governments, corporate entities, and policymakers will be critical. The route is difficult, but with persistent effort and innovation, India is positioned to become a worldwide renewable energy superpower.