India's Renewable Energy Revolution: A Look into the Future
Key Ideas
- India's non-hydro renewable energy sector hits milestone with 172 GW capacity in 2024-25, showcasing significant growth and outperforming conventional power expansions.
- Solar energy leads the way with 23.8 GW new installations in 2024-25, contributing to a cumulative solar capacity of 105.65 GW. The sector witnesses growth in utility-scale and distributed installations.
- Renewed momentum seen in wind energy with 4.15 GW capacity added, driven by solar-wind hybrid configurations. Challenges like limited standalone wind auctions persist.
- Emergence of critical enablers like storage solutions and green hydrogen ecosystem is noted, with growing industrial participation and confidence in India's energy transition.
India's renewable energy sector has achieved a remarkable milestone in the fiscal year 2024-25, reaching a total installed renewable power capacity of 172 GW by March 2025. The sector witnessed an annual capacity addition of 28.7 GW, surpassing conventional power expansions. Solar energy maintained its lead in the renewable power race, with 23.8 GW of new installations during the year, pushing the cumulative solar capacity to 105.65 GW. The growing trend of utility-scale ground mounted solar and distributed installations like residential rooftop solar, solar pumps, and commercial and industrial setups is evident. The report highlights a shift towards hybrids and firm-dispatchable renewable energy formats in auction activities, indicating a changing landscape.
Wind energy also experienced a resurgence, adding 4.15 GW of capacity, primarily through solar-wind hybrid configurations. However, standalone wind auctions faced limitations due to challenges such as land acquisition and competition from other formats. Storage solutions are increasingly becoming vital for ensuring dispatchable green power and managing demand-supply dynamics for utilities. The report mentions over 7 GWh of standalone storage awarded in auctions, alongside the development of pumped storage projects.
India's journey towards a greener future includes the nascent green hydrogen ecosystem, witnessing industrial participation and confidence. Major players securing significant capacities for annual green hydrogen production reflect the sector's potential. Additionally, the bioenergy sector, particularly compressed biogas and bioethanol, is gaining traction with market interest and policy support. The report also highlights the expansion of the commercial and industrial market segment, driven by affordability, diverse business models, and corporate sustainability goals.
The financial landscape remains robust, with India attracting substantial clean energy investment in the fiscal year. The report's forward-looking project pipeline of 152 GW showcases the country's focus on achieving the 2030 goal of 500 GW non-fossil capacity. It emphasizes the importance of dispatchable and hybrid power in this journey. The comprehensive report by India Infrastructure Research covers growth trends, policy developments, financing aspects, tender activities, and technology advancements shaping India's energy transition.
For further insights, interested parties can contact Vasvi Vig at vasvi.vig@indiainfrastructure.com or +91 9811626366.
Topics
India
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Market Trends
Solar Power
Wind Energy
Financial Investment
Bioenergy
Storage Solutions
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