India Powers Ahead: Clean Energy Push Drives 476 GW Capacity and Near-Universal Electrification – EQ
In Short : As of June 2025, India’s installed power capacity reached 476 GW, with 49% (235.7 GW) from non-fossil fuel sources—226.9 GW renewable and 8.8 GW nuclear. Power shortages declined from 4.2% in 2013–14 to just 0.1% in 2024–25. Over 2.8 crore households were electrified, and per capita electricity consumption rose by 45.8%, reflecting improved access and efficiency.
In Detail : India’s power sector has reached a significant milestone with the total installed capacity touching 476 gigawatts as of June 2025. This growth highlights the country’s steady progress in expanding its electricity infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy and population.
The capacity addition includes a substantial shift towards cleaner energy sources. Non-fossil fuel-based power now constitutes 235.7 GW, accounting for 49% of the total capacity. This marks a major transition in India’s energy mix, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainable development.
Renewable energy forms the backbone of the non-fossil capacity, contributing 226.9 GW. This includes solar, wind, hydro, and other green technologies that have been scaled up through both government-led initiatives and private investments across states.
Nuclear energy also plays a role in this mix, with 8.8 GW of installed capacity. Although smaller in scale compared to renewables, nuclear power continues to be a reliable and clean source of base-load electricity.
One of the most significant improvements is in power availability. India has dramatically reduced power shortages from 4.2% in 2013–14 to just 0.1% in 2024–25. This has helped ensure reliable electricity supply for households, industries, and critical services.
This sharp decline in shortages indicates the strengthening of both power generation and distribution infrastructure. Investments in transmission lines, substations, and smart grids have enhanced the ability to deliver electricity efficiently and equitably.
The electrification of over 2.8 crore households across the country marks another major achievement. This effort has brought power to remote villages and urban poor alike, supporting improved quality of life and economic participation.
Access to electricity has become nearly universal, with states implementing various schemes under central programs such as Saubhagya and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. These have helped close the gap in rural electrification.
Rising access to electricity has been accompanied by growing consumption. India’s per capita electricity consumption has risen by 45.8%, reflecting increased use of appliances, higher living standards, and the expansion of commercial and industrial activity.
This rise in consumption also underscores the importance of building sustainable and scalable power systems. The growing demand must be met with clean and reliable sources to avoid negative environmental impacts.
Government policies promoting solar parks, wind corridors, rooftop solar, and green hydrogen have spurred investment in renewables. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as leaders in clean energy deployment.
Private players have also played a crucial role in accelerating this growth, with the market becoming increasingly attractive for both domestic and international investors in green power.
The integration of renewable energy into the grid has required major technical upgrades. Storage systems, forecasting technologies, and flexible grid operations have become essential for managing variable supply from solar and wind sources.
Increased reliance on clean energy sources has also helped reduce India’s carbon intensity, aligning with its global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
India’s power sector transformation represents a critical pillar of its economic and environmental strategy. With nearly half of its energy capacity now from non-fossil sources, the country continues to move toward a cleaner, more inclusive, and secure energy future.
