India’s Installed Power Capacity Hits 5.05 Lakh MW as Non-Fossil Sources Take Lead

India’s installed power generation capacity has risen to 5,05,023 MW, with non-fossil fuel sources now surpassing fossil fuels in the country’s energy mix for the first time. As of October 31, 2025, non-fossil capacity stands at 2,59,423 MW, marginally higher than the 2,45,600 MW generated from fossil-fuel-based sources.

The figures were shared in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik. Renewable energy accounts for 2,50,643 MW of the non-fossil total, supported by a strong policy push from the Centre as India races toward its target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030. The government has rolled out a series of measures, including waivers on ISTS charges for eligible solar, wind, offshore wind and green hydrogen-linked projects, issuance of standard bidding guidelines, and a multi-year 50 GW annual bidding trajectory for renewable procurement. India also allows 100 percent FDI under the automatic route and continues to expand its transmission network through the Green Energy Corridor scheme.

Flagship schemes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules and the National Green Hydrogen Mission have accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies. The government has also notified a Renewable Consumption Obligation trajectory up to 2029-30, introducing penalties for non-compliance and mandating a share of decentralized renewable energy in consumption.

Parallelly, India is betting big on nuclear power as a long-term, clean baseload alternative. The Centre has set a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, backed by a INR 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to develop indigenous small modular reactors. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the nuclear liability framework are under consideration to open space for private participation. New uranium discoveries, including one extending the life of the Jaduguda mine by more than five decades, are expected to bolster fuel security.

To support renewable integration and ensure grid stability, the government is scaling up energy storage infrastructure. A battery energy storage capacity of 13.22 GWh is already under implementation under a viability gap funding scheme, with another 30 GWh approved this year. In addition, ten pumped storage projects totalling 11,870 MW are currently under construction. Offshore wind development has also been prioritised, with viability support announced for the first gigawatt.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission continues to be a major pillar of India’s decarbonisation efforts, targeting 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030 alongside 125 GW of associated renewable capacity. Officials say this will not only cut emissions but also open large-scale industrial and economic opportunities.

Coal still dominates the fossil-fuel portfolio with 2,18,258 MW, followed by gas (20,132 MW), lignite (6,620 MW) and diesel (589 MW). Solar leads renewable capacity at 1,29,924 MW, followed by wind at 53,600 MW. Hydro power, including pumped storage, stands at 50,348 MW, while nuclear accounts for 8,780 MW of total capacity.

India crossed the milestone of 50 percent installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025, more than five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contributions target. The government says this achievement strengthens the country’s long-term transition roadmap and supports its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.