In a landmark development, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of wind and solar electricity in 2024, overtaking Germany. This remarkable feat, highlighted in the sixth edition of Ember’s Global Electricity Review, reflects India’s accelerating shift towards clean energy amid rising power demands.

India’s Growing Share in Global Renewable Generation

According to the report, wind and solar power contributed 15% of global electricity generation in 2024. India’s share in this stood at 10%, marking a significant leap from previous years. This places the country behind only China and the United States, demonstrating India's strong commitment and execution in renewable energy expansion.

Notably, clean electricity sources — including renewables and nuclear — accounted for 40.9% of global electricity generation, which is the highest share recorded since the 1940s.

Breakdown of India’s Clean Energy Mix in 2024

Within India’s overall power generation mix, clean sources contributed 22%, with the following breakdown:

• Hydropower led with 8%

• Wind and solar combined contributed 10%

• Solar alone accounted for 7% — doubling since 2021

These figures highlight India’s growing reliance on non-fossil sources of electricity, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Record-Breaking Solar Capacity Addition

In 2024, India added 24 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, more than double the 2023 addition. This surge made India the third-largest solar market globally, trailing only China and the United States.

Furthermore, India stood fourth globally in terms of increase in solar generation, contributing an additional 20 terawatt-hours (TWh) in electricity output from solar in a single year.

Global Trends in Renewable Energy in 2024

Globally, renewable energy witnessed a record-breaking year:

• Renewables generated 858 TWh of electricity in 2024

• Solar energy remained the fastest-growing electricity source for the 20th consecutive year

• Solar alone contributed 474 TWh, maintaining its dominance in global clean energy growth

These global trends align with India’s efforts, reflecting a larger shift towards sustainable power generation worldwide.

India’s Renewable Goals and The Road Ahead

India has ambitious climate and energy targets, which include:

• Achieving 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030

• Reaching a total of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by the same year

While current progress is encouraging, Ember’s analysts have raised concerns. They warn that without a consistent annual funding increase of 20%, India could struggle to meet its 2030 non-fossil capacity targets.

This underscores the importance of accelerated investments, policy support, and private sector engagement to keep pace with the nation’s growing electricity demand.

Why This Matters for India’s Energy Security and Climate Commitments

India’s rise in clean electricity generation is not just about climate targets — it’s also a crucial step toward energy security, economic resilience, and global leadership in green technology.

Reducing dependence on coal and oil helps the country:

• Avoid costly energy imports

• Mitigate pollution and health risks

• Generate employment through green infrastructure

• Align with international climate pacts like the Paris Agreement

Conclusion: India’s Renewable Rise is Impressive, But Acceleration is Key

India’s journey to becoming the third-largest wind and solar energy producer globally is a testimony to its evolving energy landscape. With solar capacity doubling and total clean electricity share rising to 22%, the country is well on its way to a sustainable energy future.

However, as electricity demand continues to surge, simply maintaining current growth rates will not suffice. A focused push through increased investments, policy frameworks, and public-private partnerships will be essential for India to meet its 2030 clean energy ambitions and secure a leading role in the global energy transition.

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