India’s energy transition has emerged as one of the most significant pillars of the country’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Over the last decade, India has transformed from a fossil-fuel dependent economy into one of the world’s leading renewable energy producers. The expansion of solar, wind, hydro, bio-energy, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy reflects a strategic shift toward energy security, sustainability, and domestic manufacturing capability.According to the latest data released by the Government of India, the country achieved its 50% clean energy target in 2025 itself, five years ahead of the original 2030 target. India has also become the 4th largest country globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, while ranking 3rd in Solar Energy and 4th in Wind Energy.
India added a record 29.52 GW renewable energy capacity in FY 2024–25, taking the total Renewable Energy (RE) installed capacity to 234.24 GW (excluding Nuclear Energy capacity of 8.78 GW) as of 12 August 2025.The renewable energy sector has witnessed rapid diversification:
| Sector | Installed Capacity (August 2025) | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Energy | 116.24 GW | Increased from 2.82 GW in 2014 |
| Wind Energy | 51.67 GW | India ranks 4th globally |
| Large Hydro | 49.62 GW | Important for grid stability |
| Small Hydro | 5.10 GW | Additional projects under pipeline |
| Biopower | 11.59 GW | Expansion in biomass and CBG |
| Nuclear Energy | 8.78 GW | 71% increase since 2014 |
The expansion demonstrates India’s integrated approach of combining clean energy generation, domestic manufacturing, and grid modernization.
The government introduced multiple reforms after 2014 to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
These reforms improve:
Solar energy has become the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity.India’s installed solar capacity reached 116.24 GW as of August 2025, accounting for nearly 48% of total renewable energy capacity.
The scheme was launched with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore targeting 1 crore households.
Under the scheme:
This initiative aims to decentralize renewable energy and encourage community participation.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to reduce dependence on diesel pumps and promote solar-powered agriculture.
The scheme has contributed significantly toward:
The government estimates mitigation of 6.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions under PM-KUSUM by July 2025.
India currently possesses the 4th highest installed wind capacity globally.
According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India’s estimated wind potential stands at 1,164 GW at 150 meters above ground level.
India has started focusing on offshore wind as a future energy source.
Bio-energy is emerging as a major pillar of rural industrialization and coal substitution.
According to the study conducted through the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI):
Notified on 2 November 2022 with a budget of ₹1,715 crore.
The programme supports:
The National Green Hydrogen Mission represents India’s long-term strategy for industrial decarbonisation.
Approved with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore till 2029–30.
The mission strengthens India’s prospects in:
India’s nuclear energy sector has also expanded significantly over the last decade.
| Reactor | Capacity | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kudankulam Unit-1 | 1000 MW | 2014 |
| Kudankulam Unit-2 | 1000 MW | 2017 |
| Kakrapar Unit-3 | 700 MW | 2023 |
| Kakrapar Unit-4 | 700 MW | 2024 |
| Rajasthan Unit-7 | 700 MW | 2025 |
India has also announced its objective to increase nuclear capacity tenfold by 2047.
India’s renewable energy transition is strategically important because it supports:
Despite rapid progress, several challenges remain:
India’s renewable energy journey after 2014 reflects a structural transformation of the country’s energy architecture. The transition is not limited to increasing installed capacity; it represents the emergence of a self-reliant clean energy ecosystem driven by domestic manufacturing, technological innovation, policy support, and inclusive access.With major initiatives in solar energy, offshore wind, bio-energy, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy, India is positioning itself not merely as a participant but as a global leader in the clean energy transition. The vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat powered by clean energy is increasingly becoming a reality.Updated – 15 August 2025 ; 12:49 AM | PIB | News Source