India has achieved a significant climate milestone, reaching 50.1% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement target.
India’s Green Energy Milestone
India committed in 2015 to achieve 40% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. This target was later raised to 50% in 2022.
Impressively, the nation has surpassed this updated goal, hitting 50.1% as of June. This remarkable progress highlights a significant acceleration in the adoption of green energy.
Breaking Down the Capacity
In 2015, non-fossil fuel sources like nuclear, large hydro, and renewables made up only 30% of India’s installed capacity. This figure rose to 38% by 2020 and has seen a sharp increase in the last five years, largely driven by solar and wind power.
Currently, India’s total installed capacity stands at 485 gigawatts (GW). Renewables contribute 185 GW, large hydro adds 49 GW, and nuclear energy accounts for 9 GW. Together, these sources push the non-fossil fuel capacity just over the halfway mark.
Thermal power, primarily coal and gas, still makes up the remaining 242 GW or 49.9% of the installed capacity. It’s important to note that while installed green capacity has surpassed thermal, thermal plants still generate over 70% of the country’s electricity due to the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.
India’s Ambitious Climate Targets
India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC in 2015. Initially, this included a goal to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, and to achieve 40% non-fossil fuel electric power capacity by 2030.
In August 2022, these targets were updated. The emissions intensity reduction target increased to 45%, and the non-fossil fuel capacity target was raised to 50% by 2030. India also aims for a massive 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Understanding Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that replenish themselves. Key types contributing to India’s green push include:
Solar Energy
Harnessed from the sun, solar energy is converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells or used for heat through solar thermal systems. It is one of the most widely available renewable sources globally.
Hydropower
This energy is generated by utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water, typically in rivers or from dams. It’s among the oldest and most established forms of clean energy.
Biomass Energy
Derived from organic materials like plant residues and animal waste, biomass can be processed into fuel for heating, electricity, or transportation. It is considered renewable as the source materials can be regrown.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Both onshore and offshore wind farms are significant contributors to the renewable energy mix in many countries, including India.
Geothermal Energy
This energy taps into the Earth’s internal heat. Geothermal power plants use steam or hot water from underground reservoirs for electricity generation and direct heating applications.
Tidal and Wave Energy
These methods capture the power of ocean water movement. Tidal energy relies on gravitational pulls causing tides, while wave energy harnesses the motion of surface waves.
Key Government Initiatives
India has rolled out several schemes to accelerate its renewable energy transition. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) promotes solar power plants and pumps in rural areas.
The recently launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity to families by offering subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations, benefiting one crore households.
The Grid Connected Rooftop Solar program encourages installing solar panels on building roofs, allowing surplus power to be exported to the grid. The Green Energy Corridor Scheme is building the infrastructure needed to integrate renewable energy into the national grid.
Furthermore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) targets 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen production by 2030, which will support an additional 125 GW of renewable energy capacity.
- India achieved its 50% non-fossil fuel installed electricity capacity target five years ahead of schedule.
- Total installed capacity is 485 GW, with non-fossil fuels contributing 50.1% (243 GW).
- Renewables (solar, wind, small hydro, biogas) make up 185 GW of the non-fossil fuel capacity.
- India ranks fourth globally in renewable installed capacity, including large hydro.
- Despite the milestone, thermal power still generates over 70% of the country’s electricity.
This achievement marks a crucial step in India’s commitment to a cleaner energy future, aligning with its ambitious climate action goals.
