India Ranks 3rd Globally in Renewable Energy Capacity Amid Massive Solar Expansion
New Delhi: India has emerged as the world’s third-largest country in installed renewable energy capacity, underlining the rapid pace of its clean energy expansion and strengthening its position as a global leader in the green transition.
A recent international analysis highlighted that India’s renewable energy push is helping the country reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels while improving long-term energy security. The report noted that the next phase of growth will depend largely on India’s ability to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical solar components such as solar cells, wafers and polysilicon.
India’s solar manufacturing sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year. Official data shows domestic solar module manufacturing capacity surged from 38 gigawatts in March 2024 to 74 gigawatts by March 2025. During the same period, solar cell manufacturing capacity jumped from 9 gigawatts to 25 gigawatts, reflecting the government’s strong focus on self-reliance in renewable technology.
India ranks 3rd in the world in renewable energy installed capacity.
The country has also already achieved 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources- five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target under the Paris Agreement.
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Despite these gains, India still depends significantly on imports for key upstream solar equipment. A large share of solar modules imported during the last financial year came from China, highlighting the challenges involved in building a fully integrated domestic supply chain for renewable energy production.
India’s non-fossil fuel power generation capacity has now crossed the 50 per cent mark of the country’s total installed electricity capacity, reaching around 262.7 gigawatts. Solar and wind energy continue to account for the majority of fresh additions to the power grid, driven by rising demand, policy support and large-scale investments.
The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 as part of its broader climate and energy commitments. Experts believe India’s aggressive expansion in solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen sectors could transform the nation into one of the world’s most influential clean energy economies over the next decade.
Industry observers say India’s renewable energy drive is not only environmentally significant but also strategically important, as it aims to reduce exposure to volatile global fuel markets and position the country as a major manufacturing hub for future green technologies.
