India’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW as of January 20, 2025, driven by unprecedented additions of 24.5 GW in solar capacity and 3.4 GW in wind capacity during 2024, according to official data. This milestone marks a significant step toward India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. Solar energy dominated the renewable mix, accounting for 47% of total installed capacity. Utility-scale solar installations saw remarkable growth, with 18.5 GW added in 2024—a 2.8-fold increase compared to 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu spearheaded this growth, contributing 71% of the year's utility-scale additions. Rooftop solar also surged, with a 53% increase to 4.59 GW, bolstered by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which enabled 700,000 rooftop installations in just ten months. Off-grid solar recorded a 182% rise, adding 1.48 GW. Wind energy grew by 3.4 GW, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the expansion, accounting for 98% of the new capacity. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) played a key role by implementing policies that promoted green hydrogen, enhanced domestic manufacturing for solar PV and wind turbines, and upgraded grid infrastructure. Looking ahead, India’s renewable energy capacity is expected to grow further in 2025, with government support and private investments addressing challenges in infrastructure, financing, and regulatory frameworks. (ET)