U.K.-based Ember, an independent energy think tank that uses data-driven insights to shift the world to clean electricity, has highlighted the remarkable evolution of solar power in India.
According to their findings, solar and wind energy are expected to spearhead two-thirds of India’s power generation growth by 2032. This is good news for India as it strives to achieve its renewable energy targets outlined in its 14th National Electricity Plan.
Solar power in India has evolved significantly since 2017 when it accounted for only 1 percent of the country’s power mix. If India meets its solar targets outlined in the 14th National Electricity Plan, its share is expected to surge from 5 percent to 25 per cent by 2032
Neshwin Rodrigues, India Electricity Policy Analyst at Ember, emphasized the changing landscape of India’s electricity supply, stating, “India’s electricity supply landscape is projected to change quite significantly in the next decade or so, with solar and wind likely to drive the growth in generation. Given their variable nature, a significant increase in storage capacity is crucial to balance generation and demand.”
India has committed to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030. Presently, the country records a power generation capacity of 424 GW, with approximately 180 GW originating from non-fossil energy sources.
Ember estimates that India must increase its annual solar capacity addition by around 36% each year until 2026-27. This translates to commissioning at least 17.5 GW of solar capacity in the financial year 2024, with a further increase to 41 GW by the target year of 2027.
