India has reached a milestone as it is now the world's third-largest generator of electricity from wind and solar energy in 2024, overtaking Germany. This accomplishment is due to India's surge in renewable energy, especially solar power, contributing 7% of the country's electricity.
Following are the major highlights:
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Renewable Energy Expansion: India installed 24 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2024, over twice as much as it installed in 2023. India is now the world's third-largest solar market, following China and the US.
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Global Impact: In 2024, wind and solar power together produced 15% of world electricity, 10% of which came from India. Low-carbon sources, such as renewables and nuclear, supplied 40.9% of world electricity, a milestone since the 1940s.
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India's Clean Energy Mix: Clean sources supplied 22% of Indian electricity generation, with 8% from hydropower and 10% from wind and solar combined.
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Future Challenges: Even as India has made strides, the country is confronted with the task of increasing its clean energy production to keep up with growing demand. India targets 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
India's "solar superpower" status is set to drive its economic growth, meeting its climate pledge and energy aspirations.
Source: Business Standard, NDTV, India Today.