India’s power capacity crosses 5.05 lakh MW; non-fossil sources overtake fossil fuels for first time

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi — India’s total installed electricity generation capacity has reached 5,05,023 MW, with non-fossil fuel sources now exceeding fossil fuel sources for the first time, the Ministry of Power informed Parliament on Monday. Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik delivered the data in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

As of 31 October 2025, India’s capacity mix stands at:

• 2,59,423 MW from non-fossil fuel sources (51.37%)

• 2,45,600 MW from fossil fuel sources (48.6%)

Renewable energy forms the bulk of non-fossil capacity, contributing 2,50,643 MW.

Renewables Lead India’s Energy Transition

India crossed a major milestone in June 2025 by reaching 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil sources, more than five years ahead of its Paris Agreement commitment. Solar and wind continue to anchor this shift, with:

• Solar: 1,29,924 MW

• Wind: 53,600 MW

• Hydro: 50,348 MW

• Biomass & other RE: 10,757 MW

• Small Hydro: 5,159 MW

• Waste-to-energy: 856 MW

Nuclear energy contributes 8,780 MW, with a far larger expansion planned.

Policy Push Behind Renewables Growth

The government attributed the rapid shift to a suite of policy measures designed to accelerate renewable capacity addition, encourage private investment, and build long-duration storage for grid stability. Major initiatives include:

Transmission & Market Reforms

• Waiver of ISTS charges for solar, wind, green hydrogen and offshore wind projects.

• Standard bidding guidelines for solar, wind, hybrid and dispatchable RE procurement.

• RE procurement bidding trajectory of 50 GW annually till 2027–28.

• Green Energy Corridor funding for transmission lines and substations.

• Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) for exchange-based trading of green power.

Investment Facilitation

• 100% FDI through automatic route in renewable energy.

• PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules, enabling large-scale domestic manufacturing.

Large-Scale Solar & Community Schemes

• Solar parks and ultra-mega projects.

• PM-KUSUM for solar pumps and decentralised energy.

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar.

• New tribal-focused solar schemes under PM JANMAN and DA JGUA.

Regulatory Mandates

• Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) notified till 2029–30.

• Penalties for non-compliance, including mandatory consumption from decentralised RE sources.

Nuclear Expansion: Target of 100 GW by 2047

To strengthen long-term baseload supply and maintain clean energy momentum, India has set a 100 GW nuclear capacity target by 2047. Key steps underway include:

• Launch of a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to develop at least five Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.

• Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability Act to enable private sector involvement.

• Development of Bharat Small Reactors (220 MW) for industrial decarbonisation and coal-plant repurposing.

• New uranium discoveries expected to extend Jaduguda mine life by 50 years.

• Establishment of ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC, to speed up nuclear plant development.

Storage & Integration: Building the Backbone for 2030 Goals

To complement rising renewable capacity, the government is deploying major energy storage and balancing infrastructure:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):

  • 13.22 GWh under implementation with ₹3,760 crore VGF support.

  • Additional 30 GWh scheme approved in June 2025, backed by ₹5,400 crore from PSDF.

• Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs):

  • 10 PSPs totaling 11,870 MW currently under construction.

• Offshore Wind:

  • A national strategy finalised with viability gap funding for an initial 1 GW.

• Green Hydrogen Mission:

  • Target of 5 million tonnes per annum by 2030, requiring ~125 GW of associated RE.

Installed Capacity Snapshot (As of 31 October 2025)

The ministry said that the shift to a non-fossil majority in installed capacity marks a pivotal moment in India’s long-term transition toward net-zero emissions by 2070. The government emphasised that energy security, affordability and accessibility would remain core priorities even as renewable and nuclear capacity scale rapidly.

This report is based on information provided by the Ministry of Power in the Rajya Sabha on 1 December 2025.