India has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s third-largest country in installed renewable energy capacity, surpassing Brazil. This achievement highlights India’s rapid transformation in solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen sectors while strengthening its global leadership in sustainable development.
1.India’s Renewable Energy Achievement
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India now ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity. As of March 31, 2026, India’s total non-fossil fuel power capacity reached 283.46 GW
Current Renewable Energy Capacity in India
| Energy Source | Installed Capacity |
|---|---|
| Solar Power | 150.26 GW |
| Wind Power | 56.09 GW |
| Large Hydro Power | 51.41 GW |
| Bio Energy | 11.75 GW |
| Nuclear Power | 8.78 GW |
| Small Hydro Power | 5.17 GW |
India also achieved a remarkable milestone in July 2025 when renewable energy contributed 51.5% of the nation’s electricity demand.
2. Massive Growth in Solar Energy
India added a record 44.61 GW of solar capacity during FY 2025–26, nearly doubling the previous year’s installations. Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) played a major role, especially rooftop solar systems and PM KUSUM initiatives
Key Solar Sector Highlights
- Domestic solar manufacturing capacity increased from 2.3 GW in 2014 to nearly 172 GW by March 2026.
- Solar imports reduced significantly, strengthening the “Make in India” initiative.
- Rooftop solar adoption expanded rapidly in urban and rural areas.
3. Wind Energy Reaches New Heights
India installed 6.05 GW of new wind energy during FY 2025–26, marking the highest-ever annual wind installation. India now ranks fourth globally in installed wind turbine capacity.
Wind Energy Benefits
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
- Increased rural employment opportunities
- Improved grid sustainability
- Strong growth in domestic turbine manufacturing
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4. National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030.
Major Developments
- Green Hydrogen price discovered at ₹279/kg
- Green Ammonia price reached ₹49.75/kg
- Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are designated as Green Hydrogen hubs
- Agreements finalized for 670,000 TPA Green Ammonia production
This mission is expected to strengthen India’s clean energy exports and reduce foreign exchange spending on fuel imports.
5. Government Policies Accelerating Renewable Energy
The Indian government introduced several policy reforms to encourage renewable energy expansion.
Important Policy Initiatives
- GST reduced from 12% to 5% on renewable energy devices
- Customs duty exemptions for lithium-ion battery manufacturing
- Launch of the REEIMS portal for monitoring renewable equipment imports
- Transmission charge waivers for renewable projects
These reforms are helping industries, startups, and investors participate actively in India’s green transition.
6. Research and Innovation in Clean Energy
Indian institutes like IIT Bombay and IIT Roorkee are contributing significantly to renewable energy innovation.
Research Highlights
- 30% efficient silicon tandem solar cells developed at IIT Bombay
- Sodium-ion battery research at IIT Roorkee
- National Geothermal Energy Policy introduced
- More than 1.24 lakh candidates trained in the renewable energy sectors
7. Why This Achievement Matters
India achieved 50% installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of its 2030 target.
Importance of Renewable Energy Growth
- Supports India’s Net Zero commitment
- Reduces fossil fuel dependency
- Improves environmental sustainability
- Enhances energy security
- Creates employment opportunities
- Boosts technological innovation
India is now targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.
India now ranks third globally in installed renewable energy capacity. A new report by Morgan Stanley says India’s renewable energy transition will help reduce external dependence, but its success will depend on how quickly the country localizes critical segments such as solar cells, wafers, and polysilicon.
According to data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, domestic solar module capacity has nearly doubled, from 38 gigawatts in March 2024 to 74 gigawatts in March 2025. Solar cell capacity has also increased from 9 gigawatts to 25 gigawatts.
However, the report notes that India still relies heavily on imports for key upstream components. In the financial year 2025, India imported around 35 million solar modules worth about 1.6 billion US dollars, with an estimated 60 to 80 percent sourced from China.
Overall, non-fossil fuel capacity in India has now crossed 50 percent of total installed capacity, reaching 262.7 gigawatts. Solar and wind energy account for the bulk of recent additions.
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Q) According to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026, which country did India surpass to become the third-largest globally in installed renewable energy capacity?
A) Germany
B) Brazil
C) Japan
D) Canada
Answer: B) Brazil
A) 29.2%
B) 40%
C) 50%
D) 71%
Answer: C) 50%
Q) Despite progress in domestic manufacturing, India still relies on imports for 60–80% of its specific upstream solar components.A) Inverters and mounting structures
B) Wind turbine blades and nacelles
C) Battery energy storage systems
D) Wafers and polysilicon
Answer: D) Wafers and polysilicon
Q) What is the primary production target of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to be achieved by the year 2030?A) 500 GW
B) 125 GW
C) At least 5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum
D) 50 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum
Answer: C) At least 5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum
Q) Which renewable energy source contributed the highest installed capacity in India as of March 2026?A) Wind Power
B) Large Hydro Power
C) Solar Power
D) Bio Energy
Answer: C) Solar Power
Q) India achieved its highest-ever renewable energy share in electricity generation in July 2025 by meeting what percentage of the country’s total demand?A) 40.5%
B) 45%
C) 51.5%
D) 60%
Answer: C) 51.5%
Q) Which scheme significantly contributed to the growth of distributed solar in India?A) PM Gati Shakti
B) PM KUSUM
C) Startup India
D) Smart Cities Mission
Answer: B) PM KUSUM
Q) India currently holds which global rank in installed Wind Turbine Capacity?A) 2nd
B) 3rd
C) 4th
D) 5th
Answer: C) 4th
Q) Which of the following ports has been designated as a Green Hydrogen Hub?A) Mumbai
B) Chennai
C) Kochi
D) Kandla
Answer: D) Kandla
Q) The GST rate on renewable energy devices and parts was reduced from 12% to:A) 10%
B) 8%
C) 5%
D) 2%
Answer: C) 5%
Q) Which IIT achieved 30% efficiency in silicon tandem solar cells?A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Kanpur
D) IIT Madras
Answer: B) IIT Bombay
Q) India aims to achieve how much non-fossil power capacity by 2030?A) 300 GW
B) 400 GW
C) 450 GW
D) 500 GW
Answer: D) 500 GW
