Major Facts About India’s Renewable Energy Target
India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, making it the world’s largest expansion plan in this sector. This comprehensive target includes 280 GW of solar power, 140 GW of wind power, 10 GW of biopower, and 5 GW of small hydropower.
Remarkably, India has already surpassed its 2022 target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity. To support this growth, the government has implemented key policies such as the National Solar Mission and the National Wind Energy Programme.
The renewable energy sector is poised to generate millions of jobs, contributing significantly to India’s economy. Additionally, by reducing reliance on imported oil and gas, renewable energy will enhance India’s energy security.
Despite challenges, India remains committed to achieving its renewable energy goals. This sector’s expansion represents a crucial opportunity for job creation and environmental improvement.
✅ Also Read: India's Ranking in Different Indexes: Latest Rank and Index
India’s Rank in Renewable Energy Production
India’s commitment to renewable energy is commendable, and its achievements in this sector are truly remarkable. Let’s delve into the rankings and milestones you’ve highlighted:
- Electricity Consumption Ranking: India stands as the world’s third-largest electricity consumer. Its growing population and expanding economy contribute to this significant demand.
- Renewable Energy Production Ranking: India holds the distinction of being the world’s third-largest producer of renewable energy. This achievement reflects the nation’s dedication to sustainable practices.
- Ernst & Young’s RECAI Ranking: In Ernst & Young’s 2021 Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI), India secured the third position, trailing only the USA and China. This recognition underscores India’s attractiveness for renewable energy investments.
- Renewable Energy Capacity Installed (2022) Ranking: India’s impressive feat of installing 160 GW (40% of its total energy capacity) from renewable sources in 2022 places it as the third-largest renewable energy producer globally.
- Solar Energy Operational Ranking (2020): As of September 2020, India boasted 89.22 GW of operational solar energy capacity, solidifying its position among the top countries in solar deployment.
- Largest Solar Parks Ranking (2020): India hosts three of the world’s largest solar parks, including the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan and the Pavgada Solar Park in Karnataka. These mega projects contribute significantly to the country’s solar capacity.
- Wind Power Production Ranking: India’s robust wind power manufacturing base produces a variety of turbine models, with exports reaching Europe and the United States. Its wind power production ranks fourth globally.
- Renewable Energy Capacity Growth Ranking: India’s consistent growth in installed renewable energy capacity—from 94.4 GW in 2021 to 119.1 GW in 2023—demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainability.
- Paris Agreement Commitment Ranking: India pledged to the Paris Agreement, aiming to generate 50% of its total electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
- Central Electricity Authority Target Ranking: The Central Electricity Authority targets the same 50% non-fossil fuel electricity by 2030, emphasizing India’s dedication to cleaner energy sources.
- Renewable Energy Capacity Targets: India’s ambitious goals include achieving 175 GW by 2022 and an impressive 500 GW by 2030 from renewable energy sources.
India’s journey toward sustainable energy exemplifies leadership and sets an inspiring example for the world.
India’s Rank in Renewable Energy Production in a Nutshell
| Sl.No. | Ranking Parameter | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electricity consumption | 3rd |
| 2 | Renewable energy production | 3rd |
| 3 | Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) Ranking (2021) | 3rd |
| 4 | Renewable energy capacity installation Ranking (2022) | 3rd |
| 5 | Largest solar parks Ranking (2020) | Top 3 |
| 6 | Wind Power Generation Ranking (2020) | 4th |
Rank of India in Solar Energy Production 2023
India ranks fourth in solar energy production globally as of 31 August 2023, with an installed capacity of over 71.61 GW.
The top 5 solar energy-producing countries in 2023 are:
- China
- United States
- Japan
- India
- Germany
India has a vast solar potential, as most states of India receive sunshine for more than 300 days a year. The Indian government is also actively promoting solar energy development and aims to achieve 500 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.
India plans to issue tenders for 40 GW of solar and hybrid projects in FY2023-24. To support this goal, the country has established nearly 42 solar parks to make land available to solar project developers.
Top States in Solar Power Production
As of 2023, With a production capacity of a total of 17,055.70 MW, Rajasthan topped the list of Solar Power Production in India. (According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE))
Top 5 Solar Energy Producing States in India:
| Sl. No | State | Installed Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | 17,055.70 |
| 2 | Gujarat | 9,254.57 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 8,241.41 |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu | 6,736.43 |
| 5 | Maharashtra | 4,722.90 |
Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan)
- Bhadla Solar Park is the largest solar farm globally, spanning over 14,000 acres in Rajasthan, India.
- The Rajasthan Government laid the foundation stone for this massive solar park under the leadership of Ashok Gehlot on 21 August 2013.
- It generates an impressive 2,245 megawatts (MW) of power.
- This amount of power generated is sufficient to meet the energy needs of over 2 million homes.
Bravo, India ???????? – the future is solar!
— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) August 1, 2022
Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is spread over 14,000 acres of desert and comprises 10 million solar panels. With a capacity of 2245 Mega Watts and an investment of over $1.3 billion, it is the world's largest solar park pic.twitter.com/FOJweZWP8V
Top 5 largest solar plants in the world
The top 5 largest solar plants in the world today are:
- Bhadla Solar Park, India (2,245 MW)
- Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park, China (2,200 MW)
- Pavagada Solar Park, India (2,050 MW)
- Benban Solar Park, Egypt (1,650 MW)
- Tengger Desert Solar Park, China (1,500 MW)
Rank of India in Wind Energy Production
As of 31 August 2023, India ranks fourth in wind energy production globally in 2023, with an installed capacity of over 44.089 GW.
The top 5 wind energy-producing countries in 2023 are:
- China
- United States
- Germany
- India
- Spain
India has a vast wind energy potential, with an estimated 760 GW of onshore wind potential and 1,164 GW of offshore wind potential.
The Indian government is actively promoting wind energy development and aims to achieve 140 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030.
India has already achieved an installed capacity of 43 GW of onshore wind energy. This is a significant milestone, making India the world’s fourth-largest wind energy producer.
India’s wind energy production is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as the country continues to invest in wind power plants and offshore wind farms.
Top States in Wind Power Generation
Gujarat has India’s largest wind power capacity, with Tamil Nadu coming in second place.
The top 5 wind energy-producing states in 2023 are:
| State | Total Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|
| Gujarat | 10,415.82 |
| Tamil Nadu | 10,124.52 |
| Karnataka | 5,303.05 |
| Rajasthan | 5,193.42 |
| Maharashtra | 5,026.33 |
Recent Development in India’s Renewable Energy Target
India’s goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 could be surpassed, driven by an expected decline in battery prices by 2025, according to Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Mathur, a member of India’s Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, highlighted the skewed distribution of global climate finance and emphasized India’s focus on reforming multilateral development banks and promoting renewable energy investments during its G20 presidency.
As part of its G20 presidency, India invited ISA as a guest international organization, aligning to advance renewable energy.
Mathur explained that the drop in battery prices by 2025 could pave the way for widespread adoption of solar plus battery solutions, making India’s target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity achievable and even surpassable.
Factors contributing to declining battery costs include competition among manufacturers and advancements in battery technology, reduced material usage, and the emergence of diverse battery types tailored to specific needs.
Mathur stressed the importance of achieving climate targets to prevent the global average temperature rise from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Paris climate talks in 2015 aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the irreversible effects of climate change.
Earth’s global surface temperature has risen by around 1.15 degrees Celsius due to industrial revolution-related carbon dioxide emissions.
In the face of record-breaking heat, floods, and wildfires, countries must adapt to changing circumstances while preventing irreversible changes beyond the 1.5-degree Celsius limit.
Without intervention, the world is on track for a temperature increase of approximately 3 degrees Celsius by the century’s end, with last year ranking as the fifth warmest and July of the current year recording the highest temperatures on record.
Frequently Asked Questions
✍️ Renewable energy sources generated 316,754.86 million units (MU) of electricity in the current year 2022-23, up to January 2023.
✍️ Rajasthan is the leading producer of renewable energy in India.
✍️ China
China invested 83.4 billion U.S. dollars in clean energy research and development in 2019.
✍️ Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is known as the 1st solar city of India.
✍️ Diu is the first city in India to run on 100% renewable energy during the daytime.
