Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit on Monday, highlighting the government’s commitment to clean energy initiatives. This event underscores India’s active pursuit of its ambitious target of installing 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by the year 2030. Recent data from the NITI Aayog dashboard reveals that the nation has already surpassed the halfway mark in this endeavour.

Current Status of Renewable Energy Capacity

As of now, India’s installed renewable energy capacity stands at nearly 300 GW, indicating that over half of the target has been achieved with four years remaining. This progress positions India among the world’s largest renewable energy markets, as reported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). By 2025, the country is expected to rank just behind major economies such as China and the United States.

Solar power has been a significant contributor to this growth. A decade ago, solar energy had minimal representation in India’s energy mix, but it has since surged to approximately 171 GW, making it the largest renewable energy source in the country. In contrast, the total renewable capacity was only 58 GW in the 2010-11 fiscal year, illustrating the remarkable pace of development over the past ten years.

This rapid expansion has led to a notable increase in the share of non-fossil sources within India’s power system. According to data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, renewable energy, along with hydro and nuclear power, now constitutes a significantly larger portion of the installed capacity compared to a decade ago. This shift reflects a gradual transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Challenges in Electricity Generation

Despite the impressive growth in renewable energy capacity, coal remains the primary source of electricity generation in India. Data from NITI Aayog indicates that coal continues to dominate the energy landscape, producing the majority of the country’s electricity. Although renewable sources are gaining a larger share of installed capacity, coal plants remain essential for consistent power generation, as they can operate continuously, unlike solar and wind projects that rely on weather conditions.

The challenge facing India is not solely the addition of renewable capacity but also ensuring that these sources contribute a larger share of the overall electricity generation. Achieving this will necessitate increased investment, improved transmission infrastructure, and enhanced grid integration as the country progresses toward its 2030 target.

As leaders, policymakers, and industry executives convene at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, the data suggests that India is on a solid trajectory towards its goal of 500 GW. However, with more than 200 GW still needed, maintaining the current momentum will be critical throughout the remainder of the decade.

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