New Delhi: India has achieved a major milestone in its power sector, with the country’s total installed electricity capacity surpassing 500 gigawatts (GW) and renewable energy generation exceeding 50 percent of total demand for the first time. The development marks a significant step in India’s transition toward a cleaner and more self-reliant energy system.
According to official data from the Ministry of Power, as of September 30, 2025, India’s total installed power capacity stood at 500.89 GW. Of this, 256.09 GW—or over 51 percent—comes from non-fossil fuel sources, including renewable energy, hydro, and nuclear power. Fossil-fuel-based capacity accounts for 244.80 GW, or around 49 percent of the total.
Renewables Drive Growth
Within the renewable segment, solar power leads with 127.33 GW, followed by wind power at 53.12 GW. During the first half of the financial year 2025–26 (April to September), India added 28 GW of non-fossil capacity compared to 5.1 GW of fossil-based capacity, underscoring the rapid pace of the country’s clean energy expansion.
A record was also set on July 29, 2025, when renewable sources met 51.5 percent of the nation’s total electricity demand of 203 GW—the highest-ever share of green energy in India’s power generation mix. On that day, solar, wind, and hydro generation reached 44.50 GW, 29.89 GW, and 30.29 GW, respectively.
COP26 Target Achieved Ahead of Schedule
With non-fossil fuel capacity now accounting for more than half of the total, India has achieved one of its key COP26 “Panchamrit” commitments—to have 50 percent of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030—five years ahead of schedule. Officials said the feat reflects the country’s sustained policy support, investment in renewable technologies, and effective grid management.
Economic and Environmental Significance
Experts say India’s clean energy transition is not only enhancing energy security and reducing emissions but also generating large-scale employment opportunities across manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and technology innovation. The shift is expected to particularly benefit youth in both rural and urban areas as new green jobs emerge across the value chain.
The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) jointly congratulated power generation companies, transmission utilities, system operators, and state agencies for their role in achieving the milestone.
In a joint statement, the ministries said the achievement reflects a “collective national effort” and reinforces India’s leadership in global clean energy transition while maintaining grid reliability and stability.
