Friday 03 / October / 2025
New Delhi: India's Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said contracts for 30 GW have already been awarded, while actual capacity additions in the first half of the year have surged past 22 GW and are now nearing 30 GW.
By year’s end, India expects to comfortably cross the 39–43 GW range—a milestone that would make 2025 one of the most productive years for renewable growth in the country’s history.
Numbers alone cannot capture the dynamism of India’s clean energy expansion.
Today, the country has 226 GW of installed renewable capacity, supported by 186.3 GW under construction and 67.08 GW already tendered. Together, these figures amount to nearly 499 GW of capacity, a near-fulfilment of India’s 2030 target of 500 GW—five years ahead of schedule.
This pace of growth reflects more than the success of individual projects; it signals the maturing of India’s renewable ecosystem.
Solar and wind energy form the backbone of this expansion, and the steady rise in hybrid projects that combine both technologies adds resilience to the grid.
The government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure needs, including transmission systems, are further accelerating progress.
In renewable-abundant regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, new transmission corridors are ensuring that green power flows seamlessly to the national grid.
One of the most significant enablers of India’s renewable revolution has been its focus on transmission readiness.
Recognising that renewable energy cannot thrive without robust transmission networks, the power ministry has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening systems across the country’s green zones.
The Green Energy Corridor, now entering its third phase, is at the centre of this strategy.
By linking renewable-rich states with demand centres, these corridors are ensuring that solar and wind power are not stranded at generation sites but are carried efficiently to households and industries nationwide.
The integration of renewable power into the national grid is also being supported by advances in forecasting and scheduling.
Improved weather prediction systems are enabling more accurate estimates of renewable energy generation, reducing variability and making the entire system more reliable.
This level of planning not only boosts investor confidence but also strengthens India’s ability to integrate ever-larger shares of clean energy without disruptions.
Policy reforms driving growth
Reforms in bidding and contracting processes have given additional momentum to the sector.
By tightening timelines and allowing for cancellation of awards where projects fail to progress within 12 months, the government is ensuring that awarded capacities translate quickly into operational assets. This creates accountability and minimises delays, keeping the growth trajectory on track.
Another crucial step has been the push to streamline power sale agreements (PSAs).
Reducing the lag in signing these agreements helps renewable developers secure their revenue streams earlier, enabling them to mobilise financing and move projects forward with confidence.
Combined with policy stability and consistent government support, such measures are creating an ecosystem where renewable energy is not only viable but highly attractive for investors and developers alike.
Farmers at the forefront
Beyond megawatts and transmission lines, India’s renewable expansion is also empowering people at the grassroots level.
The PM-KUSUM scheme, now in its second phase, is enabling farmers to adopt solar power for irrigation and other agricultural needs.
By shifting to renewable sources, farmers are reducing their dependence on grid electricity and diesel pumps, lowering costs while contributing to national sustainability goals.
This farmer-focused dimension highlights a central theme of India’s renewable strategy: inclusivity. Clean energy is not confined to large utility-scale projects but is woven into rural life, empowering communities and strengthening livelihoods.
In this way, renewable energy becomes not just a climate solution, but a tool for socio-economic development.
Confidence in the 2030 target
With 43 GW expected to be added this year alone, confidence is growing that India will not only meet but potentially surpass its 2030 renewable energy aspirations.
The progress achieved so far suggests that the target of 500 GW is within reach well before the deadline.
Each new project brings India closer to reshaping its energy mix, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable energy.
The scale of ambition is evident in every dimension: from mega solar parks in Rajasthan’s deserts, to offshore wind projects along the coasts, to village-level rooftop solar systems and farmer-owned solar pumps.
Together, these initiatives are creating a diverse and resilient renewable energy portfolio that reflects India’s unique geography, needs, and aspirations.
A global example
India’s rapid expansion of renewable capacity is being watched closely around the world.
The blend of policy innovation, infrastructure readiness, and community involvement provides a replicable model for other countries aiming to transition toward green energy.
International recognition of India’s progress is also boosting its position in global climate negotiations.
As one of the fastest-growing economies, India’s ability to add such vast volumes of renewable capacity demonstrates that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
It sends a powerful message: sustainable development is not a trade-off but a multiplier of prosperity.
Lighting the future
Looking ahead, the numbers tell an inspiring story.
Each gigawatt added brings cleaner air, new jobs, greater energy security, and stronger communities. Each solar panel and wind turbine installed represents a step closer to a future powered by the sun and the wind rather than coal and oil.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark in this journey, one that will be remembered as the year India accelerated its renewable transition with unmatched momentum.
With nearly 43 GW set to be added, the nation’s renewable landscape is expanding not just in scale but in confidence and vision.
From ambitious policy reforms to transmission readiness, from empowering farmers to strengthening national grids, India’s renewable growth is a story of innovation, inclusion, and determination.
As the sun sets on conventional energy and rises over a new era of clean power, India is ensuring that its path forward is not only bright but sustainable.
The road to 2030 is no longer about whether the targets will be met—it is about how much further India can go.
