India’s renewable energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation as the country seeks to balance fast-growing electricity demand with its long-term climate and sustainability commitments. Even though coal remains a dominant force in India’s power system, the steady and accelerating rise of renewable energy—particularly solar and wind—signals a clear shift in the country’s energy priorities. As of November 2025, coal accounted for 43.08% of India’s total installed power capacity, underlining its continued importance in ensuring base-load power. At the same time, the expanding share of renewables highlights India’s determined efforts to move toward cleaner energy sources without compromising reliability.

During the first eleven months of 2025, India added an impressive 34,983.53 MW of new solar capacity. This significant addition reflects strong policy support, improved project execution, and growing investor confidence in the solar sector. Government initiatives aimed at improving quality standards and strengthening domestic manufacturing have played a critical role in this expansion. Among these, the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) has emerged as a key policy instrument. By enforcing strict quality benchmarks for solar modules and encouraging the use of domestically manufactured components, the ALMM framework has helped reduce reliance on imports while boosting local industry. As a result, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity reached 122 GW by December 2025, a milestone that reinforces the country’s push for self-reliance in clean energy technologies.

By the end of November 2025, renewable energy sources accounted for 39.94% of India’s total installed power capacity. Solar power has been the primary driver of this growth. Installed solar capacity rose to 132.848 GW, representing 65.25% of total renewable capacity and contributing 26.06% to the overall national power mix. This marked a year-on-year increase of 41.08%, reflecting the rapid pace at which solar projects are being commissioned across the country. Large-scale utility projects, rooftop installations, and hybrid systems have collectively accelerated India’s progress toward its clean energy targets.

India’s total installed power capacity crossed 509 GW in November 2025, recording an annual growth of 11.6%. Despite the notable rise in renewable capacity, coal-based power continues to generate nearly half of the nation’s electricity. This situation highlights the complex challenge India faces: reducing dependence on coal while maintaining grid stability, affordability, and uninterrupted supply. As the share of variable renewable energy grows, the need for advanced grid management, energy storage solutions, and flexible generation has become increasingly critical.

Beyond energy generation, the expansion of renewable energy is delivering wide-ranging social and economic benefits. Solar and wind projects are creating employment opportunities across the value chain, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These projects are improving electricity access, stimulating local economies, and contributing to the development of remote regions. Consequently, the clean energy transition is not only addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing livelihoods and regional development.

Rising renewable capacity has also strengthened India’s energy security. Reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels shields the economy from global price volatility and supply disruptions. Simultaneously, advancements in storage technologies and grid infrastructure are improving the reliability and integration of renewable power. Although coal remains a significant part of the energy mix, the consistent growth of renewable energy—led by solar—demonstrates India’s strong commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient, and self-reliant energy future that supports both economic growth and sustainability.

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