Record Renewable Milestone
India Leads Renewable Charge with Record Solar and Wind Output: In the first half of 2025, India achieved a remarkable feat by generating record levels of solar and wind energy, as reported by the energy think-tank Ember. This milestone reflects India’s advancing transition toward a cleaner energy mix. The surge in renewables led to a 24 million tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the same period in 2024, signaling major progress in decarbonizing the power sector.
Static GK fact: India ranks fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity, after China, the U.S., and Brazil.
Strong Growth in Solar Power
Solar power emerged as the dominant driver of this achievement. Generation rose by 17 terawatt-hours (TWh) — a 25% year-on-year increase. The share of solar in total electricity generation reached 9.2%, compared to 7.4% in 2024. This reflects the success of initiatives like the National Solar Mission and large-scale solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Static GK Tip: The National Solar Mission, launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aims to make India a global solar leader.
Wind Energy Gains Momentum
Wind energy also made significant strides, with output rising by 11 TWh, representing 29% growth over 2024. Its share in India’s power mix reached 5.1%, up from 4% a year earlier. This growth is supported by improved turbine technology, better site selection, and faster project execution across coastal states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Static GK fact: The world’s first offshore wind energy policy in India was announced in 2015, promoting coastal wind farms in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Drop in Coal Generation and Emissions
The surge in renewables coincided with a decline in coal-based power output, leading to a tangible cut in emissions. The fall of 24 million tonnes of CO₂ in H1 2025 highlights how renewables are displacing fossil fuel generation. It also demonstrates the success of India’s carbon intensity reduction targets, aligned with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Policy Support and Technology Drivers
India’s policy momentum continues to favor clean energy. Strategic investments in grid infrastructure, battery storage, and power market reforms have improved renewable integration. Additionally, falling solar PV costs and enhanced wind turbine efficiency are driving large-scale adoption.
Static GK fact: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with 280 GW from solar and 140 GW from wind.
Energy Demand Trends
Electricity demand grew modestly in H1 2025, partly due to milder weather conditions and lower cooling requirements. This moderation allowed renewables to capture a greater share of total generation. Experts note that as energy efficiency improves, renewables are likely to dominate incremental power additions in coming years.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Leads Renewable Charge with Record Solar and Wind Output:
| Topic | Detail |
| Report Source | Ember (Energy Think-Tank) |
| Solar Output Growth | 17 TWh (+25%) |
| Wind Output Growth | 11 TWh (+29%) |
| Emissions Reduction | 24 million tonnes of CO₂ |
| Solar Share in Total Power | 9.2% |
| Wind Share in Total Power | 5.1% |
| Major Renewable States | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra |
| National Target | 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 |
| Key Policy | National Solar Mission (2010) |
| Global Rank in Renewables | 4th after China, U.S., Brazil |
