India reaches 50 per cent non-fossil capacity ahead of 2030 goal

India has accelerated its clean energy expansion, achieving 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years before its 2030 target. As of November 2025, renewable energy (RE) capacity stands at 253.96 gigawatts (GW), with a record 44.51 GW added in 2025, according to the MNRE.

India’s cumulative non-fossil fuel-based power capacity reached 262.74 GW in November 2025. This includes renewables, large hydro, and nuclear power. It accounts for 51.5 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity of 509.64 GW. The milestone was first achieved in June 2025, ahead of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target for 2030 under the Paris Agreement. From January to November 2025, 44.51 GW of RE capacity was added, nearly twice the 24.72 GW added in the same period of 2024. Solar led growth with 34.98 GW added, taking total solar capacity to 132.85 GW, a 41 per cent year-on-year increase. Wind energy also expanded, adding 5.82 GW and reaching 53.99 GW.

Government flagship programmes reported strong progress. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) resulted in over 14.43 lakh rooftop solar systems installed from January to December 2025. The PM-KUSUM scheme recorded sharp growth, with over 13.13 lakh pumps installed or solarised in 2025, three times the previous year. About 6,515 MW of solar capacity was commissioned under PM-KUSUM in 2025 alone.

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, incentives were awarded for 4,50,000 tons-per-annum (TPA) of Green Hydrogen production, along with low-price discoveries for 7,24,000 TPA of Green Ammonia. Domestic solar manufacturing strengthened further. Solar module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) reached around 144 GW per year, reflecting a 99 per cent year-on-year rise. Key policies introduced during the year included the ALMM for solar cells and wind turbines, the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS), and the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025).

The ministry also hosted major events such as the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, a national energy storage conference, and several regional workshops to support deployment. Research and development advances included a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with 30.2% efficiency, developed at IIT Bombay, and the creation of India’s first National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration at CSIR-NPL.

The featured photograph is for representation only.