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In December 2024, India reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with solar power now making up around 54.15% of the country’s total renewable energy generation, excluding large hydropower. Solar energy contributed 10,707.21 million units, showing the country’s growing commitment to clean and sustainable energy. The total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydropower, reached 162.476 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2024. Of this, the installed solar capacity was 97.86 GW, marking impressive growth in solar power production. This increase in solar energy can be attributed to strong government policies and incentives that promote clean energy. Technological advancements, combined with these policies, have led to greater investments in solar power projects, helping solar energy emerge as a dominant force in India’s energy landscape. In addition to solar power, wind energy also plays a key role in India’s renewable energy mix. By December 2024, wind power contributed 29.07% of the country’s renewable energy generation, producing 5,747.49 million units. Wind energy had an installed capacity of 48,163.16 MW by the end of 2024, demonstrating the potential of India’s vast wind resources and the continued investments in wind energy projects. Although solar power has grown significantly, wind energy generation showed a slight decrease compared to the same time last year. This change highlights the dynamic nature of India’s energy sector and emphasizes the importance of a diversified energy portfolio. While solar and wind energy are the main contributors, other renewable energy sources like biomass, bagasse, and small hydropower projects are also vital. These sources together contributed 15.64% of India’s renewable energy generation in December 2024. Having a diverse energy mix is crucial to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a more resilient energy infrastructure. Despite the strong growth in solar and wind energy, India’s total renewable energy generation for December 2024, excluding large hydropower, was 19,773.47 million units. This was an increase of 18.01% from the previous month and about 18% higher than in December 2023. The seasonal decrease in generation can be linked to the approaching winter, which leads to reduced sunlight hours and intensity. This impacts solar power generation, and wind energy can also be affected by changing wind patterns during the winter months. Even with this seasonal dip, the growth in solar and wind energy highlights the effectiveness of India’s clean energy policies and technological progress. The country is on track to meet its goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, to reach this target, India will need to overcome challenges such as grid integration, financing, and scaling up renewable energy infrastructure. Continued collaboration among the government, industry, and academia will be essential to address these challenges and achieve India’s renewable energy ambitions. India’s ongoing expansion of renewable energy capacity positions it as a global leader in clean energy. The country’s progress in solar and wind energy is a crucial step toward a sustainable and resilient energy future, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic growth. |
