In a major move towards sustainable energy, India is poised to achieve its ambitious goal of having 50% of its total power capacity derived from renewable sources well before the set deadline of 2030, according to Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Bhalla highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and the substantial progress made thus far.
Outlining the targets, Bhalla stated that out of the total capacity target of 500 gigawatts from non-fossil sources, an impressive 485 gigawatts are expected to be generated from renewable energy (RE). ‘Our share of renewable energy in the total energy has increased substantially. Now it’s over 42% of India’s total energy capacity, and that is significant,’ he noted.
India has witnessed remarkable growth in its RE capacity, surging from 76 gigawatts in 2014 to a current 180 gigawatts. Bhalla expressed confidence in India’s ability to achieve the 50% capacity goal well ahead of the 2030 timeline. ‘We are on the path to achieving that, and we hope to do that much earlier than 2030,’ he declared.
Highlighting the scale of progress, Bhalla disclosed that 180 gigawatts of RE capacity is already functional, with an additional 175 gigawatts under implementation. While acknowledging the potential for slight delays in some projects, he emphasized the overall positive trajectory of India’s renewable energy initiatives.
‘The target is 500 gigawatts of non-fossil capacity, out of which we will have about 485 gigawatts of RE by 2030,’ Bhalla confirmed. However, he acknowledged the existing gap between the targeted total capacity of RE and the combined capacity of existing and upcoming projects, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and execution to bridge this divide.
India’s commitment to renewable energy not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also positions the country as a leader in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. The ambitious targets set by the government underscore India’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering a cleaner energy landscape.
