India Ranks Third Globally in Renewable Energy Capacity

India has achieved a significant milestone by ranking third globally in renewable energy installed capacity, surpassing Brazil. This announcement was made by Union minister Pralhad Joshi during a recent press conference.

Record Growth in Renewable Energy

Minister Joshi highlighted that India added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil power capacity in the year 2025-26, bringing the total to 283.5 GW. This increase marks the highest annual growth in the country’s renewable energy sector.

Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy

A pivotal aspect of this growth has been the rise of distributed renewable energy solutions. Under the PM KUSUM scheme, India added 7.6 GW of solar pumps for irrigation and 8.7 GW from rooftop solar installations.

Significant Milestone in Electricity Generation

In July 2025, India reached its highest-ever renewable energy share, where green energy sources—including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear—accounted for 51.5% of the total electricity demand of 203 GW.

Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Minister Joshi emphasized that the government’s proactive steps have mitigated the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted fossil fuel supplies. These initiatives have notably reduced the country’s dependence on oil imports.

Innovations in Energy Use

India has achieved almost 100% electrification of railways. Additionally, the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have surged, and daytime charging costs have plummeted. The integration of solar energy paired with battery storage is increasing in households, further promoting sustainable energy practices.

Future Plans for Sustainable Energy Growth

The government is currently discussing with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to develop utensils designed for induction stoves to encourage their wider adoption.

Addressing Challenges in Renewable Energy

While progress has been made, Minister Joshi acknowledged some challenges, specifically citing instances where grid operators have curtailed output from wind and solar farms, preventing them from operating at full capacity.

Enhancing Transmission Systems

Currently, the transmission systems primarily cater to thermal-based energy. The government is expediting work on delayed transmission lines, with completion expected by June. This improvement aims to eliminate issues related to curtailment and support the full utilization of renewable energy resources.

By addressing these key topics, India is on a promising trajectory towards a more sustainable energy future, solidifying its position as a leader in the global renewable energy landscape.