India has reached a key clean energy milestone by ensuring that 50 per cent of its total installed power generation capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its original 2030 target. As of 30 June 2025, the country’s total installed capacity stands at 484.8 GW, with 242.8 GW derived from renewable or other low-carbon energy sources, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
This development marks significant progress under India’s commitments to the Paris Agreement. The country had pledged to establish 500 GW of electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by the end of the decade. The latest figures place India among the few G20 nations currently on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions under the agreement.
According to the government, India’s current energy mix includes 48.27% from renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, 49.92% from thermal power, and 1.81% from nuclear power. Officials attribute the clean energy growth to national programmes such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, and the development of large-scale solar parks.
Saurabh Kumar, Vice President at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), noted that this progress reflects effective planning and the participation of citizens in schemes aimed at expanding clean energy access. He said that India’s early achievement “demonstrates the bold vision by meticulous planning,” and described it as an example for other developing nations to consider. He added that India is “demonstrating a new development paradigm for the entire global south.”
Former NTPC Green Energy CEO Mohit Bhargava described the milestone as a “positive example for the world,” crediting policy support and private sector participation for enabling this growth. He noted that India has outpaced several developed nations in expanding non-fossil fuel capacity.
Climate Trends Director Aarti Khosla said India’s renewable energy progress has been aided by specific regulatory steps, such as the waiver of inter-state transmission charges and consistent clean energy auctions. She pointed out that since 2014, India’s renewable energy capacity has tripled. According to her, the country now holds the third-largest installed solar capacity globally. She called the achievement of meeting the target ahead of time “worthy of recognition,” highlighting that it also supports national goals of energy self-sufficiency and emissions reduction.
Despite the progress in clean energy deployment, the focus now shifts to strengthening infrastructure to support the transition. Experts suggest expanding transmission networks and investing in battery and pumped hydro storage will be key to sustaining this pace.
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