Why in news?
India announced that half of its total installed power generation capacity now comes from non‑fossil fuel sources—well ahead of the 2030 target under its nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The milestone underscores India’s progress in renewable energy deployment.
Background
- India’s power sector traditionally relied on coal and other fossil fuels. Recognising climate change threats, the country pledged to achieve 50 % installed capacity from non‑fossil sources by 2030.
- By mid‑2025, total installed capacity was about 485 GW. Non‑fossil sources (renewable energy, large hydropower and nuclear) contributed roughly 243 GW—just over 50 %.
Drivers of success
- Political commitment: National programmes like the International Solar Alliance and policies promoting green energy have drawn investment.
- Private sector and state initiatives: Competitive auctions, state‑level renewable targets and corporate power purchase agreements boosted capacity.
- Grid modernisation: Digital technologies and better inter‑state transmission reduced curtailment and facilitated integration of variable renewable energy.
- International cooperation: Partnerships with countries and multilateral banks provided technology and financing.
Challenges ahead
- Grid stability: High share of variable renewable energy can strain transmission systems and cause voltage fluctuations.
- Land use conflicts: Large solar and wind projects require land, sometimes leading to disputes with farmers or wildlife concerns.
- Storage and intermittency: Lack of affordable energy storage makes balancing supply and demand difficult.
- Cybersecurity: As power systems digitise, they become vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Way forward
- Upgrade grids with advanced forecasting, flexible generation and energy storage to ensure reliability.
- Adopt circular economy principles for recycling solar panels and wind blades.
- Promote energy equity by providing affordable power to all while transitioning to green sources.
- Invest in emerging technologies such as green hydrogen for long‑term energy storage and industrial decarbonisation.
- Strengthen cyber‑resilience of energy infrastructure.
Conclusion
Achieving 50 % non‑fossil capacity demonstrates that economic growth and climate action can go together. Sustained investment and innovation will help India achieve its 2030 and 2070 net‑zero goals.