The country’s total installed electricity generation capacity has reached 5,05,023 MW, with non-fossil fuel sources encompassing renewables, hydro and nuclear now accounting for 2,59,423 MW (≈ 51.37%), surpassing fossil-fuel-based capacity of 2,45,600 MW (≈ 48.6%).
This milestone marks the first time that non-fossil sources form a majority of India’s generation capacity, underscoring a significant shift in the nation’s energy mix and a major leap in its clean-energy transition.
Renewable energy drives the growth
Within the non-fossil segment, renewable energy remains the principal growth engine. Installed renewable energy capacity alone stands at 2,50,643 MW, according to the latest figures as of 31 October 2025. This comprises solar, wind, biomass/cogeneration, waste-to-energy, small-hydro and other renewable technologies.
Large hydroelectric projects (including pumped-storage hydro) contribute substantially offering 50,348 MW, while nuclear power accounts for 8,780 MW (roughly 1.74% of total capacity).
This diversified mix illustrates that India’s shift towards cleaner energy is not limited to just solar or wind but encompasses a broader, balanced portfolio including hydro and nuclear, thereby enhancing energy security and flexibility.
Policy pushes & infrastructure support
The growth to over 5.05 lakh MW capacity and over-50 % non-fossil share has been powered by a combination of sustained policy support, strategic investment, and infrastructure expansion, according to official statements. Key government measures include waivers on interstate transmission charges for solar, wind and green-hydrogen projects; streamlined and competitive tariff-based bidding for grid-connected renewables and hybrid projects; easing of foreign direct investment norms for renewables; and rapid deployment of transmission lines and substations under the Green Energy Corridor initiative.In addition, large-scale projects such as solar parks and Ultra-Mega Solar Projects, plus incentive schemes for high-efficiency solar modules, are helping accelerate deployment.
Significance for climate, energy Security & future goals
This milestone arrives well ahead of the 2030 target set under the commitments made by India at the Paris Agreement, a sign that the country is progressing faster than anticipated towards its clean-energy goals.
Achieving a majority non-fossil capacity enhances energy security, reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, and helps in driving down carbon emissions aligning with India’s long-term ambition of a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Moreover, a diversified energy mix combining solar, wind, hydro, biomass and nuclear helps mitigate risks associated with intermittency and seasonal variability, providing a more stable and reliable power supply.
While the installed capacity figures are encouraging, actual power generation and consumption patterns will ultimately determine the real impact. Non-fossil capacity gives India the flexibility to move away from fossil-fuel dependence but challenges remain in translating capacity into consistent generation, especially given intermittency in renewables and demand fluctuations. Analysts have emphasised that capacity alone does not equate with generation or utilisation.
Nevertheless, with strong policy support, continued investment, and robust infrastructure expansion, India seems well positioned to continue this upward trajectory. The government’s push to build transmission networks, encourage hybrid and storage solutions, and support green-hydrogen and other emerging clean-energy technologies bodes well for sustaining momentum.
Crossing the 5.05 lakh MW mark in installed power capacity with non-fossil sources now in majority represents a landmark moment in India’s energy journey. It is a clear signal of the country’s evolving priorities: from traditional fossil-fuel dependence to a diversified, cleaner, more resilient energy future. As India charts this path forward, the new energy landscape promises not only sustainability and climate benefits but also increased energy security and long-term socio-economic gains.
