India adds 24.5 GW solar, 3.4 GW wind capacity in 2024, total non-fossil capacity hits 217.62 GW

India added a record-breaking 24.5 gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity and 3.4 GW of wind capacity in 2024, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Wednesday. This reflects a twofold increase in solar installations and a 21% rise in wind installations compared to 2023.

As of January 20, the country's total non-fossil fuel energy capacity reached 217.62 GW. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government's information-sharing platform, the surge was due to policy reforms, government incentives, and improved investments in domestic solar and wind turbine manufacturing.

Solar energy was the leading contributor to India's renewable energy development, representing 47% of the total installed renewable energy capacity.

"The rooftop solar sector also experienced significant growth in 2024, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed, marking a 53% increase from the year 2023. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, played a crucial role in this expansion, facilitating 7 lakh rooftop solar installations within ten months. Additionally, the off-grid solar segment recorded a 182% increase, adding 1.48 GW in 2024, furthering India's energy access goals in rural areas," the government said.

India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat contributing 1,250 MW, Karnataka 1,135 MW, and Tamil Nadu 980 MW. These states represented 98% of the new wind capacity additions.

Here's how the government supported renewable energy adoption

• Green hydrogen push: The government promoted the development of green hydrogen policies to reduce cost and attract investments in the sector.
• Manufacturing expansion: Domestic solar photovoltaic cell and wind turbine manufacturing were scaled up.
• Grid infrastructure development: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed substantial investments in inter-state transmission systems to transfer power from renewable-rich states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

"India's renewable energy sector is on a transformative journey, with 2024 marking a year of record capacity additions and policy advancements," the government said.