India’s renewable energy sector is shifting from rapid capacity expansion to system integration and grid readiness, as the country adds 15-25 GW annually and targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030


India is adding between 15 and 25 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity each year, placing it among the world’s fastest-growing clean-energy markets, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The ministry noted that the country’s renewable sector has moved beyond a phase of rapid capacity growth to one focused on system strength and quality of integration. India’s renewable capacity, excluding large hydro, has risen from less than 35 GW in 2014 to over 197 GW at present.

Officials described the next stage of the transition as one centred on grid integration, storage, hybridisation and market reforms to enable the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

At present, more than 40 GW of awarded renewable projects are in advanced stages of securing power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission connectivity and other regulatory clearances. However, the ministry cautioned that global supply-chain disruptions, volatile module prices and tighter financing conditions have delayed some project commissioning.

Transmission infrastructure remains a key constraint. To address this, India is pursuing a large-scale transmission plan estimated at about Rs 2.4 lakh crore to connect renewable-rich regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat and Ladakh with major demand centres through new high-capacity corridors.

On the investment and bidding front, central renewable energy implementing agencies have conducted bids for 5.6 GW so far this year, while state agencies have completed 3.5 GW. The commercial and industrial segment is expected to add nearly 6 GW in calendar year 2025.

The ministry’s assessment underscores a shift in priorities from expanding capacity to ensuring the power system can reliably absorb it. With ambitious targets and a substantial project pipeline, India’s challenge lies not in generating renewable power, but in transmitting, storing and distributing it efficiently across a growing economy.