Energy Security has emerged as a critical pillar of India's economic growth, industrial development, and climate commitments. To reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply, India has accelerated the deployment of renewable energy through a series of flagship missions and schemes. As of January 2025, India's non-fossil fuel-based installed energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW, reflecting substantial progress towards a cleaner and self-reliant energy future.The government's strategy combines large-scale renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen development, solarization of agriculture, rooftop solar adoption, and wind energy expansion. These initiatives are contributing to climate resilience, energy independence, employment generation, and reduction in carbon emissions.
India has witnessed remarkable growth in renewable energy capacity over the last decade.
| Sector | Cumulative Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|
| Wind Power | 48,163.16 |
| Solar Power | 97,864.72 |
| Small Hydro Power | 5,100.55 |
| Biomass (Bagasse) Cogeneration | 9,806.42 |
| Biomass (Non-Bagasse) Cogeneration | 921.79 |
| Waste to Power | 249.74 |
| Waste to Energy (Off-Grid) | 370.20 |
| Total Renewable Capacity | 162,476.58 MW |
Solar and wind energy continue to be the primary drivers of India's renewable energy transition.
Launched in June 2020, the Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative aims to strengthen wind energy development through improved wind resource assessment, data collection, and scientific research.The initiative supports project developers in identifying suitable wind-energy locations and encourages investment in the sector.
The initiative focuses on:
The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has installed more than 800 wind monitoring stations across the country and prepared wind potential maps at multiple elevations.
India's wind energy capacity has increased significantly:
Enhanced wind resource mapping has helped identify over 50 potential wind-energy sites nationwide.Between 2020 and 2024, the initiative contributed to the development of over 10 GW of additional wind energy capacity.In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for India's first offshore wind projects, including:
Launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission seeks to transform India into a leading producer, consumer, and exporter of green hydrogen.The mission promotes indigenous technology development, manufacturing capability, infrastructure creation, and international competitiveness in clean hydrogen production.
The mission aims to:
The mission is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore.Major developments include:
India also hosted several major global hydrogen events, including:
The mission can significantly strengthen India's energy security by diversifying the energy mix, reducing fossil fuel imports, promoting industrial decarbonization, and positioning India as a major exporter of clean fuels.
Launched in January 2010, the National Solar Mission (NSM) is one of India's flagship initiatives to address climate change and energy security through rapid solar energy deployment.The mission promotes both grid-connected and off-grid solar applications.
The mission seeks to:
India's solar capacity has witnessed exceptional growth:
| Indicator | 2016 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Solar Capacity | 9.01 GW | 97.86 GW |
| Solar Parks | 34 | 58 |
| Solar Park Capacity | 20 GW | 40 GW |
| Rooftop Solar Capacity | 90.8 MW | 11,503 MW |
The mission is reducing fossil-fuel dependence, improving energy access, promoting decentralized power generation, and contributing to India's climate commitments.
Launched in March 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) supports farmers through solar-powered irrigation systems and decentralized solar power generation.
The scheme aims to:
The scheme supports sustainable agriculture, reduces diesel consumption, lowers irrigation costs, and enhances rural energy security.
Launched in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is described as the world's largest domestic rooftop solar initiative.The scheme aims to provide rooftop solar systems to one crore households by March 2027.
The initiative focuses on:
Within ten months of launch:
States such as:
have demonstrated notable progress.
Operational guidelines have been issued for the Model Solar Village Scheme with:
The scheme accelerates distributed renewable energy generation, strengthens household energy independence, and promotes community-level energy sustainability.
India's renewable energy strategy reflects a comprehensive approach towards achieving long-term energy security while addressing climate and sustainability challenges. The rapid growth of solar and wind energy, expansion of green hydrogen infrastructure, solarization of agriculture, and rooftop solar adoption demonstrate a decisive shift toward clean energy systems.With strategic investments, technological innovation, policy support, and institutional coordination, India is steadily progressing toward a low-carbon, resilient, and self-reliant energy future.
Updated - 01 February 2025; 02:56 PM | PIB | News Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)