Source：solarquarter.com

In October 2024, India achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with solar power now accounting for approximately one-seventh of the nation’s total renewable energy generation. Solar energy contributed 69.247 million units to the overall renewable production (69.25%), reflecting India’s growing commitment to sustainable energy. The total renewable capacity, excluding large hydropower, reached 156.247 gigawatts (GW) by October 2024, showcasing rapid progress toward energy goals. Of this, the installed solar capacity reached 92.119 GW, marking an impressive increase in solar energy production.

This growth in solar energy is largely driven by strong government policies and incentives designed to encourage clean energy development. Technological innovations, combined with these policies, have led to increased investments in solar power projects, helping solar energy become a dominant force in India’s energy landscape. Alongside solar power, wind energy also plays a crucial role in the renewable energy mix. In October 2024, wind power contributed 18.29% of the renewable energy generation, producing 3,238.28 million units. With an installed capacity of 47,716.72 MW by October, wind energy continues to be an essential part of India’s energy sector, reflecting the country’s vast wind resources and ongoing investments in wind energy projects.

While solar power has become the favorite renewable energy source, wind power generation has seen a slight decrease compared to the same period last year, indicating the dynamic nature of India’s energy landscape. This shift underscores the importance of a diversified renewable energy portfolio that includes not just solar and wind energy but also other sources such as biomass, bagasse, and small hydroelectric projects. Together, these sources contributed 12.47% to India’s renewable energy generation in October 2024. A diverse energy mix is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring a more resilient energy infrastructure.

Despite the strong growth in solar and wind energy, the total renewable energy generation for October 2024, excluding large hydropower, was 17,702.36 million units. This marked a decline of 20.96% compared to the previous month, September. The decrease can be attributed to the changing climatic conditions as winter approaches. Reduced sunlight hours and intensity during the winter months directly affect solar power generation, while wind energy can also be impacted by seasonal variations in wind patterns.

However, despite this seasonal drop in generation, the growth in solar and wind energy highlights the effectiveness of India’s clean energy policies and technological advancements. With its continued focus on renewable energy, India is well on its way to meeting its ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Achieving this goal, however, will require overcoming challenges such as grid integration, financing, and scaling renewable energy infrastructure. The government, industry, and academia must continue collaborating to address these challenges and realize India’s renewable energy ambitions.

As India continues to build on its renewable energy capacity, it is positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy. The progress made in solar and wind energy deployment marks a significant step forward in India’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future, driving both environmental sustainability and economic growth.