India’s $9.8 Billion Energy Surge: Racing Toward 500 GW by 2030

How does a nation of over 1.4 billion people shift from fossil fuels to a low-carbon future—while ensuring energy access, economic growth, and climate resilience? India is attempting to answer that question—at scale and at speed.

With a 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity and a net-zero goal by 2070, India’s clean energy transition is gathering unprecedented momentum.

Aerial view of solar energy generation park in Maharashtra, India.

From Coal to Clean: A Snapshot of India's Energy Mix

As of March 2025, India’s total installed power generation capacity reached 475.2 GW, with non-fossil fuel sources accounting for 228 GW—or nearly 48% of the national mix. Renewable energy alone (excluding large hydro) stands at 172 GW, with solar energy crossing 105 GW and wind energy exceeding 50 GW.

Notably, India’s total renewable energy capacity reached 232 GW in March 2025, tripling over the last decade. The country added 25 GW in 2024 alone, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 34%, reinforcing its trajectory toward the 2030 goal.

Q1 2025 saw a record-breaking $9.84 billion in clean energy investments—a 7.7-fold increase year-on-year, signaling deep investor confidence in India's energy future. This momentum is supported by both domestic and international capital and reflects growing confidence in the maturity, scalability, and policy support of India’s renewable energy sector.

Core Technologies Powering the Transition

• Solar Energy: Massive Scale, Growing Access

  Solar remains the driving force behind India’s renewable growth, led by mega-projects like Bhadla Solar Park (2.2 GW) and Gujarat’s Khavda Park, which targets 30 GW. Distributed solar is also gaining traction, with rooftop solar capacity reaching 17 GW by Q1 2025. Programs like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana are enabling broader residential adoption through subsidies and decentralized energy access.

• Wind Energy: Onshore Strength, Offshore Potential

  Wind power remains integral to India’s energy mix, supported by strong onshore additions and emerging offshore ambitions. In FY25 alone, India added 4.15 GW of wind capacity. Offshore wind is gaining momentum with initial plans for 5 GW of capacity along Gujarat and Tamil Nadu’s coasts. India’s total renewable energy potential, led by wind and solar, is estimated at an impressive 2.1 million MW, according to recent government data. This provides long-term visibility into untapped opportunities across diverse geographies.

• Green Hydrogen: India’s Next Big Export?

  India’s green hydrogen push took a major leap in May 2025, as Juno Joule Green Energy, in partnership with Germany’s Select Energy GmbH, announced a ₹10,000 crore project near Mulapeta port in Andhra Pradesh. The facility aims to produce 180,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2029, converting it into up to one million tonnes of green ammonia for global export. The project will adhere to EU green fuel standards and create over 5,000 jobs. These developments align with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets 5 MMT of annual production by 2030, supported by port-based infrastructure and pilot programs in industrial sectors.

•  Energy Storage: Enabling a Resilient Grid

  Energy storage is playing a growing role in stabilizing India’s grid and integrating renewable power. India has mandated two-hour co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS) in future solar projects. The country targets 28 GWh of BESS capacity by 2030, with projects like New Delhi’s 20 MW/40 MWh facility showcasing cost reductions and system reliability.

•  Electric Mobility: Charging Up Nationwide

  India’s push toward e-mobility includes nationwide policies supporting EV penetration, charging infrastructure, and public transport electrification. The PM E-Drive Scheme targets 72,000 public EV chargers by FY26, building on the current base of over 26,000 units. Paired with city-level EV policies and incentives, this push is expanding the electric transport network rapidly.

Policy Support: Building the Backbone of Transition

A strong policy backbone underpins India’s transition, combining financial incentives, infrastructure mandates, and regulatory innovation.

• PLI Schemes for solar PV, advanced chemistry batteries, electrolysers, and wind components.

• Green Hydrogen Mission with ₹19,744 crore allocated.

• Grid expansion and modernization under the Green Energy Corridor initiative.

• 100% FDI allowance in clean energy generation and distribution.

• Regulatory Sandboxes for innovation in green finance and climate-risk instruments.

Meanwhile, cities like Chandigarh are advancing energy governance by establishing dedicated Energy Management Cells. These cells aim to improve the energy efficiency of public infrastructure and support implementation of the State Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

Leading States in the Shift

Several Indian states continue to lead in clean energy scale-up:

• Rajasthan – Solar leader with large ground-mounted installations and favorable sunlight.

• Gujarat – Home to hybrid and offshore wind developments, hydrogen hubs, and mega parks.

• Maharashtra – EV policy pioneer and growing center for hydrogen innovation.

• Tamil Nadu – Strong in onshore wind and offshore wind potential.

• Andhra Pradesh – Emerging hydrogen production cluster; large solar parks.

• Northeast India – Rising investment in hydro and cross-border electricity trade corridors.

India on the World Stage: A Pivotal Decade Ahead

India’s clean energy revolution isn’t just domestic—it’s globally significant. With scale, speed, and strategy, India is emerging as a key player in the world’s energy transition. The next five years will be decisive—and transformational. From solar and wind to hydrogen and electric mobility, the sector is advancing on multiple fronts simultaneously, supported by long-term policy clarity, rising investment, and technological momentum.

As global energy systems continue to evolve toward resilience, decarbonization, and localization, India's renewable energy ecosystem stands out for its scale, speed, and strategic intent. The years ahead will be critical—and transformational.