In a press briefing on June 18, 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that renewable sources—including solar, wind, small hydro, and biomass—now account for 42% of India’s installed power capacity12. This milestone underscores India’s rapid pivot toward cleaner energy, driven by aggressive policy targets and private-sector investment.
Key Quote from Minister Gadkari
“Reaching 42% green energy in our power mix is a testament to India’s commitment under the National Solar Mission and the revised Renewable Purchase Obligations,” said Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and former Minister of Power. “Our goal is to achieve 50% by 2030, reducing dependence on imported coal and cutting carbon emissions.”2
5 Key Takeaways
- Policy Push
- Private Investment Surge
- Private capital in renewables jumped from $12 billion in FY 2020 to $28 billion in FY 2024, per IEA’s India Energy Outlook 20254.
- Grid Modernization
- The Green Energy Corridor project, funded by the World Bank, is upgrading transmission lines to handle variable output from wind and solar5.
- Impact on Emissions
- According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), renewable adoption has cut annual CO₂ emissions by an estimated 150 million tonnes1.
- Consumer Benefits
- Solar rooftops now supply clean power to 3 million homes, saving consumers up to ₹4 per kWh compared to peak tariff rates6.
Expert Analysis
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Aruna Menon, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, we explored the challenges ahead:
“Grid stability will be critical as renewables swell. Enhanced battery storage and demand-response mechanisms are non-negotiable if we’re to integrate intermittent sources without risking blackouts.”
— Dr. Aruna Menon, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with 12 years’ experience in smart-grid research (LinkedIn: profile)
Timeline of India’s Renewable Surge
| Year | Installed Renewable Capacity | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 14 GW | Launch of National Solar Mission |
| 2015 | 35 GW | ₹70/kWh tariff for utility-scale solar |
| 2020 | 92 GW | Introduction of Green Energy Corridor |
| 2023 | 130 GW | First 200 GW target met one year early |
| 2025 | 168 GW | Green share hits 42% of total 400 GW installed capacity |
Daily Digest: Renewable Energy Watch
- June 20, 2025: MNRE to announce new subsidy scheme for floating solar projects.
- June 22, 2025: Delhi hosts India Renewables Summit—expect announcements on grid-scale batteries.
- Next Update: Will include mid-year financials from major IPPs (Independent Power Producers).
FAQ: What Happens Next?
Q1: How will India reach 50% by 2030?
A1: Through accelerated auctioning of wind and solar parks, scaling up green hydrogen projects, and expanding offshore wind.
Q2: What about intermittency?
A2: The government is piloting 4 GW of battery-energy storage systems (BESS) across Karnataka and Rajasthan by 2026.
Q3: Can consumers participate?
A3: Yes—through net-metering for rooftop solar and “green tariffs” offered by many utilities.
Fact-Check
- Claim: “Coal plants are being decommissioned en masse.”
Reality: Only 3 GW of coal capacity retired in FY 2024—most plants still operate under stringent emission norms1. - Claim: “India’s renewable drive is 100% domestically financed.”
Reality: Roughly 40% of recent investments come from foreign funds, including the Asian Development Bank and European green bonds4.
