India’s renewable energy capacity crosses 80GW mark

India's renewable energy sector has achieved a new milestone as the total power generation capacity crossed the 80GW-mark, including 29.55 GW of solar energy and 36.37 GW of wind power

September 27, 2019

Government of India has set a target of setting up 175 GW of clean energy capacity by 2022

42 solar power parks, with an aggregate capacity of around 23.40 GW, have been approved

Solar Energy Corporation of India makes land available for setting up renewable energy projects

Achievement of 500 GW by 2030 will make India one of the largest renewable producers globally

After setting an ambitious target of having 175 GW of clean energy capacity by 2022, India’s renewable energy sector has witnessed rapid growth and development in solar energy and wind power generation. The nation has already achieved renewable energy capacity of 80.46 GW, including 29.55 GW from solar and 36.37 GW from wind, as on June 30, 2019. As per India’s submission to the UN FCCC on Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), the installation of 175 GW of renewable capacity will help achieve a cumulative electric power capacity of 40 per cent from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.

India’s next target is achieving 100 GW by March, 2022. In support of this, the Government has approved a total of 42 new solar power parks, with a total capacity of around 23.40 GW. The signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for around 9.20 GW is another indicator of the renewable energy sector’s growth. Availability of land and power evacuation are two main factors in establishing solar parks, but the introduction of Mode-7 in the Solar Park scheme has allowed the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to act as the Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD). This will encourage investment in the space.

India has experienced an eight-fold increase in solar capacity between 2014-18 with over 22 per cent of its total power generation capacity of around 350 GW being represented by renewable resources, as of May 2019. Given the Government encouragement, the renewable sector is seeing increased investment and innovation as it makes steady inroads at both utility and residential levels. With the achievement of the 500 GW target by 2030, India will become one of the largest renewable energy producers globally, ensuring power security and access, alongside enhanced trade and employment opportunities across India.

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