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Recently, India achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, surpassing the 200 GW capacity mark. 

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• The Central Electricity Authority reported that India’s total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3% of the nation’s total installed capacity. 
• This milestone demonstrates India’s commitment to transition toward a more sustainable energy future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrating leadership in clean energy on the global stage.

India’s Renewable Energy Overview

India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with renewable energy contributing a significant portion of the overall power mix. A variety of renewable energy resources contribute to this impressive figure:

• Solar power leads with 90.76 GW, capitalizing on India's abundant sunlight.
• Wind power follows closely at 47.36 GW, utilizing coastal and inland corridors.
• Hydroelectric power contributes 51.99 GW, offering a reliable and sustainable source of energy from India’s rivers and water systems.
• Biopower, including biomass and biogas, adds 11.32 GW to the energy mix, tapping into agricultural waste.

These efforts illustrate India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security while advancing towards a sustainable future.

Leading States in Renewable Energy Capacity

Several states have emerged as leaders in renewable energy, significantly contributing to India's progress:

• Rajasthan leads with 29.98 GW of installed capacity, benefiting from its vast land and abundant sunlight.
• Gujarat follows closely with 29.52 GW, driven by its robust solar and wind projects.
• Tamil Nadu ranks third with 23.70 GW, leveraging its favorable wind patterns.
• Karnataka rounds out the top four with 22.37 GW, supported by a mix of solar and wind initiatives.

Together, these states play a pivotal role in achieving national renewable energy goals.

Government Initiatives for the Promotion of Renewable Energy

The Government of India has launched various initiatives aimed at accelerating renewable energy capacity to achieve an ambitious target of 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030 (one of the key goals under Panchamrit targets announced by the Prime Minister at UNFCCC COP 26). 

Some key schemes include:

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: plans to make India a global leader in the production, use, and export of green hydrogen.
• PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme: is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in India, along with increasing the share of non-fossil-fuel sources in total installed capacity.
• The PM Surya Ghar Yojana aims to provide free electricity to households by promoting the installation of solar panels and reducing reliance on conventional power sources.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for Solar PV (Photovoltaic) modules: to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities of high-efficiency solar PV modules.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): aims at synchronizing electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations in the grid. 

Other Key Ongoing Initiatives for Advancing Renewable Energy in India

1. Investment Facilitation: The government has permitted 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route. 
2. Waiver of Transmission Charges: A waiver of Inter-State Transmission System charges for solar and wind power projects has been announced for projects commissioned by June 30, 2025, and for green hydrogen projects until December 2030, fostering more investment.
3. Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks: are being set up to provide land and transmission for large-scale renewable energy projects. 
4. Standard & Labelling (S&L) programs: for Solar Photovoltaic modules and grid-connected solar inverters have been launched.
5. Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM): has been launched to facilitate the sale of renewable energy power through exchanges.