India has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of electricity from wind and solar sources, overtaking Germany in 2024, according to the sixth edition of Ember’s Global Electricity Review. The report highlights a significant milestone in India’s clean energy journey, showcasing both progress and areas where further acceleration is needed.
Wind and Solar Drive India’s Renewable Surge
India generated 10% of its electricity from wind and solar in 2024, with solar power alone accounting for 7% — a figure that has doubled since 2021. This performance has placed India behind only China and the United States in terms of total solar capacity additions, with 24 gigawatts (GW) added in 2024, more than double the previous year.
In terms of absolute generation, India recorded the fourth-largest increase in solar generation globally, adding 20 terawatt hours (TWh). This growth contributes to a broader global trend: solar energy remained the fastest-growing and largest new electricity source worldwide for the 20th consecutive year, adding 474 TWh in 2024.
Clean Energy at 22% of India’s Power Mix
The report indicates that 22% of India’s electricity came from clean sources in 2024. Hydropower remained the largest contributor at 8%, followed by wind and solar combined at 10%. This share, while substantial, is still below the global average of 40.9% clean electricity generation, suggesting room for further expansion.
Over the last five years, India has nearly doubled its wind and solar generation, cementing its leadership in the global transition to clean energy. However, experts at Ember caution that sustained growth of at least 20% annually in clean energy investments is crucial for India to meet its 2030 targets of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity and achieving 50% of installed capacity from clean sources.
Heatwaves Accelerate Demand, But Renewables Rising
While India’s clean energy momentum is strong, extreme weather conditions in 2024 — particularly heatwaves from April to June — drove a surge in electricity demand. During this period, electricity demand rose by 10.4% year-on-year, largely due to increased use of air conditioning. Overall, India’s annual electricity demand grew by 5% in 2024.
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Despite the demand spike, clean generation met 33% of the demand growth, while coal filled the majority. This is a notable shift from 2023, when coal met 91% of the demand growth, signalling a gradual transition towards cleaner alternatives even amidst climate-induced energy stress.
A Global Context and India’s Role
Globally, clean energy reached a new high, with renewables and nuclear contributing 40.9% of total electricity generation — the highest share since the 1940s. Renewables alone added a record 858 TWh, a 49% increase from 2022, making clean sources the primary driver of electricity growth.
India’s role in this transition is increasingly prominent, particularly as it ramps up its solar investments. With ambitious climate goals, a rapidly expanding renewables base, and rising electricity demand, India is now positioned as a key player in the global clean energy shift.
