India is firmly positioned to achieve its ambitious 500-gigawatt non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030, with a robust pipeline of renewable energy projects already under development, according to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Sarangi. The country's commitment to clean energy transition appears well-supported by concrete project plans and manufacturing capabilities.

Current Status and Capacity Breakdown

India currently operates approximately 260 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, requiring an additional 240 GW to meet the 2030 target. The capacity expansion plan demonstrates a clear strategic focus on solar and wind technologies.

Data Centres Driving Demand Beyond Targets

Sarangi highlighted the potential for overshooting the 500 GW target, driven primarily by rising electricity demand from data centres and carbon-intensive industries pursuing decarbonisation. Global climate commitments, including stricter carbon border measures, are expected to accelerate renewable energy deployment across sectors such as steel, aluminium, and cement.

Data centres will initially rely on solar and wind power combined with battery storage systems, as nuclear power projects require longer development periods of five to seven years due to regulatory approvals, fuel sourcing, and reactor testing requirements.

Energy Storage and Battery Capacity

India's energy storage infrastructure is set for significant expansion to support renewable energy integration. The Central Electricity Authority projects the installation of 41 GW of battery storage capacity by 2030.

Green Hydrogen Mission Progress

The National Green Hydrogen Mission has achieved notable milestones, with India discovering the world's lowest prices for green ammonia through recent tenders for fertiliser plants. These developments cover nearly one-third of earlier ammonia imports, demonstrating significant import substitution potential.

Projects by companies including L&T, Greenko, and ACME, featuring export-linked offtake agreements, signal strong global competitiveness. Supply deliveries are expected to commence from 2028-29, positioning India as a competitive player in the global green hydrogen market.

Manufacturing Capacity and Global Position

India's solar manufacturing sector continues its rapid expansion, reinforcing the country's position in global renewable energy supply chains.

The expansion is supported by comprehensive policy measures beyond production-linked incentives, including import duties, approved manufacturer lists, and domestic content norms.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

To accelerate project implementation, MNRE is collaborating with states to streamline land acquisition and right-of-way clearances. Karnataka's initiative to allow deemed land-use conversion for renewable projects serves as a model for other states to adopt similar measures, potentially reducing project delays and expediting capacity additions.

India has achieved a historic milestone in renewable energy expansion, adding a record 44.5 GW of renewable energy capacity till November 2025, according to an official statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This represents nearly double the capacity addition of 24.72 GW recorded during the same period in the previous year, highlighting the country's accelerated transition toward clean energy.

Record-Breaking Renewable Energy Growth

The total renewable energy installed capacity in India reached 253.96 GW in November 2025, demonstrating robust growth in the sector. The following table illustrates the significant year-over-year progress:

This achievement marks the highest-ever renewable energy capacity addition recorded in a single year, underscoring India's commitment to expanding its clean energy infrastructure.

Solar Energy Leads the Transformation

Solar energy emerged as the dominant contributor to India's renewable energy expansion. The solar sector demonstrated exceptional performance with capacity additions significantly outpacing the previous year:

The solar sector's contribution of 34.98 GW represents approximately 79% of the total renewable energy capacity added during the period, highlighting its central role in India's clean energy strategy.

Wind Energy Achieves Substantial Progress

Wind energy also registered impressive growth, with capacity additions reaching 5.82 GW compared to 3.20 GW during the corresponding period last year. The wind energy sector achieved a significant milestone when installed capacity crossed the 50 GW mark in March 2025.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Success

Pralhad Joshi, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, announced that rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have crossed 25 lakh households. In a social media post, the Minister emphasized the scheme's impact on providing cleaner power, reducing electricity bills, and promoting sustainable energy solutions for millions of families across the country.

The comprehensive growth across solar and wind energy sectors, combined with successful implementation of rooftop solar initiatives, positions India as a global leader in renewable energy expansion and demonstrates the country's progress toward achieving its clean energy objectives.