India’s Renewable Energy Progress from 2023 to 2024

India’s renewable energy sector has made remarkable strides from November 2023 to November 2024. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reports a substantial increase in non-fossil fuel capacity. This growth aligns with India’s commitment to its clean energy goals, particularly the ‘Panchamrit’ framework outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Record Capacity Additions

As of November 2024, India’s total non-fossil fuel installed capacity reached 213.70 GW. This marks a 14.2% increase from 187.05 GW in 2023. The total non-fossil fuel capacity, including pipeline projects, surged to 472.90 GW. This represents 28.5% rise from the previous year’s 368.15 GW. In the fiscal year 2024-25, India added 14.94 GW of new renewable energy capacity by November 2024. This nearly doubles the 7.54 GW added during the same period in FY 2023-24. Notably, November 2024 alone saw a dramatic addition of 2.3 GW.

Solar Power Growth

Solar energy remains the leader in capacity growth. Installed solar capacity rose from 72.31 GW in 2023 to 94.17 GW in 2024, reflecting a robust 30.2% growth. The total solar capacity, including pipeline projects, increased by 52.7%, reaching 261.15 GW in 2024 compared to 171.10 GW in 2023. This growth showcases India’s focus on solar energy as a mainstay of its renewable strategy.

Wind Power Contributions

Wind energy also saw notable advancements. Installed capacity increased from 44.56 GW in 2023 to 47.96 GW in 2024, a growth of 7.6%. Total wind capacity, including pipeline projects, rose by 17.4%, from 63.41 GW to 74.44 GW. This growth indicates a strong commitment to diversifying renewable energy sources.

Contributions from Bioenergy, Hydro, and Nuclear

The bioenergy sector experienced a rise from 10.84 GW in 2023 to 11.34 GW in 2024, marking a growth of 4.6%. Small hydro projects saw a slight increase, from 4.99 GW to 5.08 GW. Large hydroelectric projects showed incremental growth, with installed capacity rising from 46.88 GW to 46.97 GW. Total capacity increased from 64.85 GW to 67.02 GW. In nuclear energy, installed capacity grew from 7.48 GW to 8.18 GW, while total capacity remained steady at 22.48 GW. These figures reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Government Initiatives

Under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, the MNRE has implemented key initiatives to support the growth of the renewable sector. These initiatives demonstrate India’s dedication to climate commitments and energy security. The government’s proactive approach is vital for achieving sustainable energy goals.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the role of renewable energy in India’s energy security strategy.
2. Discuss the impact of solar energy growth on India’s economy and environment.
3. Explain the significance of the ‘Panchamrit’ framework in achieving India’s climate goals.
4. What are the challenges faced by India in transitioning to renewable energy sources? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the role of renewable energy in India’s energy security strategy.

1. Renewable energy reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy independence.
2. It diversifies the energy mix, making the energy supply more resilient to price fluctuations.
3. Investment in renewable energy creates jobs and stimulates economic growth.
4. Renewables contribute to energy access in remote areas, improving overall energy equity.
5. Government policies and incentives support the transition to renewables, reinforcing energy security goals.

2. Discuss the impact of solar energy growth on India’s economy and environment.

1. Solar energy growth leads to job creation in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors.
2. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air and mitigating climate change.
3. Lower energy costs from solar power can enhance competitiveness for Indian industries.
4. Increased energy access from solar installations supports rural development and poverty alleviation.
5. Government incentives for solar projects stimulate investment and technological innovation.

3. Explain the significance of the ‘Panchamrit’ framework in achieving India’s climate goals.

1. Panchamrit outlines a comprehensive strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
2. It emphasizes renewable energy capacity expansion, aiming for 500 GW by 2030.
3. The framework promotes energy efficiency and sustainable practices across sectors.
4. It strengthens international cooperation on climate action and technology transfer.
5. Panchamrit reflects India’s commitment to global climate agreements and sustainable development.

4. What are the challenges faced by India in transitioning to renewable energy sources? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Grid infrastructure limitations hinder the integration of renewable energy sources.
2. Financing challenges exist, especially for smaller projects and startups in the renewable sector.
3. Land acquisition issues can delay solar and wind projects, impacting capacity additions.
4. Intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind requires reliable backup solutions.
5. Policy and regulatory uncertainties can discourage investment and slow down progress.