India Reaches 214 GW Renewable Energy Capacity in 2024: MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi

India has made significant progress toward its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030. The year 2024 witnessed key developments in the country's renewable energy sector, paving the way toward a greener future.

In an official statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), reflecting on the country's year-end 2024 review in the renewable energy sector, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said, "As we move into 2025, India stands as a global beacon of sustainable development. Achieving over 214 GW of non-fossil sources is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth."

Further, the statement pointed out that by November 2024, the total installed non-fossil fuel energy capacity stood at an impressive 214 GW, representing an increase of over 14 percent compared to the 187.05 GW achieved in the same period the previous year. Between April and November 2024, India added nearly 15 GW of renewable energy capacity, almost doubling the 7.57 GW added during the same period in 2023. In total, India added 27 GW of renewable energy capacity during the calendar year 2024, reflecting a significant acceleration in progress towards meeting national energy targets.

The country’s solar energy sector has seen remarkable growth, with India’s installed solar energy capacity reaching 94.17 GW by November 2024. Additionally, India’s total installed and pipeline solar projects combined reached 261.15 GW, indicating a robust pipeline for future growth. In the wind energy sector, India’s cumulative wind power capacity reached 47.96 GW by November 2024. This growth is supported by continued investments in both onshore and offshore wind projects, with the government focusing on offshore wind energy with a massive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme.

2024 also witnessed the implementation of several groundbreaking schemes aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption across the country. One of the most significant schemes launched was the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at providing rooftop solar solutions to one crore households. With an outlay of INR 75,021 crore, this scheme offers subsidies ranging from INR 30,000 to INR 78,000 per household and promises up to 300 units of free electricity each month. Within ten months of its launch, the scheme saw 7 lakh installations, marking a tenfold increase in the pace of installations compared to previous years—an average of 70,000 installations per month.

Additionally, the government provided financial support to Discoms (Distribution Companies) through an outlay of INR 4,950 crore to facilitate net meter availability and installation. The Ministry also launched the Model Solar Village scheme, with an outlay of INR 800 crore, offering grants of INR 1 crore for villages that successfully adopt solar energy solutions.

India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production was further reinforced with the continued implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Approved with an outlay of INR 19,744 crore, the mission aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Key achievements include the allocation of INR 600 crore for FY 2024-25, with a potential to attract over INR 8 lakh crore in investments by 2030.

The mission also aims to create 600,000 jobs by 2030, reduce fossil fuel imports by INR 1 lakh crore, and cut carbon emissions by 5 MMT. The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme has awarded tenders for 4.12 lakh TPA of green hydrogen production and selected manufacturers for 1,500 MW electrolyser capacity.

Internationally, India’s leadership in renewable energy was showcased on the global stage in 2024, with the successful hosting of major international events. The Ministry organised the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investment Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, focusing on India’s renewable energy achievements and its commitment to the 500 GW non-fossil power target by 2030. Additionally, the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) brought together over 6,000 participants and 120 exhibitors, highlighting India’s green hydrogen initiatives.

The year also saw the launch of various infrastructure projects to support renewable energy generation. India inaugurated its first on-grid solar plant in Lakshadweep in November 2024, with a 1.7 MW capacity and a 1.4 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Another milestone was the commissioning of India’s largest solar-BESS facility in Rajnandgaon, with a combined capacity of 40 MW/120 MWh, integrated with a 152.325 MWh solar plant.

The Ministry expanded the country’s wind energy potential with initiatives such as the INR 7,453 crore VGF scheme for offshore wind projects off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The Geological Survey of India identified 381 areas with geothermal potential, potentially contributing up to 10,600 MW to India’s renewable energy capacity.

India achieved significant milestones in renewable energy during 2024 across solar, wind, offshore wind, geothermal, and bioenergy. PM-KUSUM added 2.95 lakh off-grid solar pumps and 10,000 MW decentralised solar. Tamil Nadu led rooftop solar installations, while MNRE launched off-grid solar for PVTGs. Bioenergy CFAs were revised, and 11.34 GW of solar was installed by November.

MNRE initiated a 50 GW annual RE bid plan and Ladakh’s 13 GW Green Energy Corridor. IREDA sanctioned INR 37,354 crores in loans, while SECI achieved Navratna status. India led ISA’s 7th Assembly, signed green ammonia deals with Japan, and expanded hydrogen collaborations, reinforcing global leadership.

With continued investments, groundbreaking initiatives, and a robust policy framework, the country is poised to become a global leader in clean energy by 2030. The government’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy is not just a target—it is a blueprint for a sustainable, green future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.