India Achieves Record 44.5 GW Renewable Energy Growth in 2025, Solar Surges Past 132 GW

India marked its highest-ever renewable energy growth in 2025, adding 44.51 GW of capacity till November, nearly doubling the 24.72 GW added during the same period last year.

As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE), Solar energy was the primary driver, with 34.98 GW installed, taking total solar capacity to 132.85 GW. Wind energy also grew significantly, with 5.82 GW added to reach 53.99 GW. Other sources, including small hydro, biomass, and hybrid/RTC/FDRE projects, contributed to the record expansion, raising India’s non-fossil fuel share of total electricity capacity to 51.5 percent, achieving the 2030 NDC target five years early.

India crossed key milestones in 2025, including 50 percent non-fossil power capacity in June and 250 GW of non-fossil installed capacity in August. On 29 July, renewables met 51.5 percent of the country’s total electricity demand of 203 GW, the highest-ever share to date. Globally, India ranks 3rd in solar power installed capacity, 4th in wind power capacity, and 4th in total renewable energy capacity as per IRENA RE Statistics 2025.

Government schemes have been pivotal in driving this growth. Under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, 14.43 lakh rooftop solar systems were installed, benefitting over 18 lakh households. The PM-KUSUM scheme recorded 10,203 MW of solar capacity installed cumulatively, with over 13.13 lakh agricultural pumps solarized in 2025 alone. Component A of PM-KUSUM added 270.33 MW in 2025, more than last year, while Components B and C together installed/solarized three times more pumps than the previous year. The government also dedicated INR 2,706 crore to PM-KUSUM in 2025, representing around 38% of the total funds released since launch.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission advanced with projects awarded for 4.5 lakh TPA of green hydrogen and 7.24 lakh TPA of green ammonia, including supplies to fertiliser units at some of the lowest global prices (INR  53.27/kg). Pilot projects in steel, transport, and port bunkering were funded with INR 158 crore, while 23 R&D projects and 5 testing facilities were supported with INR 229 crore. Four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters were funded with INR 170 crore, and the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme launched in April 2025. Skill development was also prioritized, with 43 qualification packs approved and 6,541 trainees certified. International cooperation included participation in the European Hydrogen Week, World Hydrogen Summit, and ICGH 2025.

Solar energy development saw significant policy and manufacturing support. A cumulative 3,084 MW of solar capacity was commissioned in solar parks, and 2.87 GW under the CPSU Scheme Phase-II. GST on solar devices and modules was reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent from September 2025. The REEIMS portal was launched to monitor imports of solar and wind components, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply-chain transparency. Indigenous solar module manufacturing capacity reached 144 GW per year, nearly doubling from 2024, while ALMM List-II included 24 GW of solar cell capacity. The PLI Scheme supported the addition of 11 GW of solar module and 5 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacities in 2025.

Wind energy also progressed, with revised guidelines facilitating prototype turbine installations and amendments to the ALMM-Wind and RLMM lists ensuring domestic component usage and relocation of data centers within India. Standard operating procedures were issued to streamline model verification, factory inspection, and enlistment in ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC.

In geothermal energy, the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) was notified to accelerate clean energy transition, emphasising research, technology, ecosystem development, and partnerships.

Bioenergy growth included commissioning 59 compressed biogas plants (684.33 TPD), 8 biomass pellet/briquette plants (21.5 TPH), 4 biogas plants (56,040 m³/day), and 12 bio-power plants (89.86 MW). The Ministry organised nine capacity-building workshops, celebrated National Biofuel Day, and held sector-specific workshops to promote alternative biomass markets.

MNRE also implemented the New Solar Power Scheme under PM JANMAN & DA JGUA, electrifying 4,919 households in tribal and PVTG areas with off-grid solar systems.

On the international front, India strengthened bilateral and multilateral renewable energy cooperation with Japan, the UK, Tajikistan, Egypt, Norway, Portugal, Australia, Germany, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Brazil, Bhutan, and Jordan. High-level participation in the 8th ISA Assembly in New Delhi resulted in launching key initiatives, including the One Sun One World One Grid roadmap, ISA Global Capability Center, Academy, and SUNRISE Community of Practice.

The Ministry organised multiple workshops and conferences, including the National Workshop on Mobilising Finance for Renewable Energy in Mumbai, Seva Parv awareness campaign, regional workshops in Guwahati, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam, and events on energy storage and subnational climate leadership. A tableau of MNRE participated in the Republic Day Parade, showcasing India’s renewable energy achievements and cultural heritage.

India’s renewable energy pipeline now totals 486.94 GW, with 237.43 GW solar, 85.9 GW wind, 11.61 GW bioenergy, 5.6 GW small hydro, 70.72 GW hybrid/RTC/FDRE, 75.68 GW large hydro, and 22.38 GW nuclear. This growth reflects India’s accelerating transition toward a cleaner, self-reliant, and globally competitive energy future.