India solar farm expansion drives renewable energy growth
India is on track to achieve its target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 — and could surpass it by as much as 15% — making it one of the few major economies likely to overachieve its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, according to a new government report.
The report by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy shows India's installed renewable capacity crossed 180 GW in the current fiscal year, with solar power accounting for 85 GW and wind energy contributing 45 GW. The remainder includes small hydro, biomass, and other sources.
Power Minister R.K. Singh said India's renewable push has been the fastest energy transition by a large economy in history. "We have added more renewable capacity in the last five years than the previous two decades combined," he said.
The Rajasthan solar park, which at 10,000 MW is the world's largest single solar installation, has been completed ahead of schedule and is now generating power for five states. The upcoming Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park will be even larger at 30,000 MW.
India's renewable energy success has been driven by competitive tariffs — solar power is now being generated at ₹2.05 per unit, cheaper than thermal power — and significant foreign investment from companies like ReNew Power, Adani Green, and Greenko.
