NEW DELHI — In a landmark achievement for the nation’s green energy mission, India has officially overtaken several major economies to become the world’s third-largest holder of renewable energy capacity, trailing only China and the United States.
According to the latest Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released today, India added a record-breaking 55.3 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity in the last fiscal year. This surge was primarily driven by the solar sector, which saw a massive expansion in utility-scale projects and rooftop installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
The World Bank also noted today that India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with a projected growth of 6.6%, fueled by a record ₹19,744 crore investment into the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Key Highlights from the Story
- Capacity Milestone: India’s total non-fossil fuel installed capacity has reached 283.46 GW, including 150 GW from solar power alone.
- Solar Dominance: Solar energy capacity has grown 53 times higher since 2014, with 44.61 GW added in the just-concluded fiscal year.
- Energy Mix: Renewables met a record 51.5% of India’s peak electricity demand in recent months, significantly reducing reliance on coal.
- Manufacturing Surge: Domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has hit 172 GW, creating over 6 lakh new “green jobs.”
“India is not just meeting its climate targets; we are redefining global energy leadership. Our transition is proof that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.” — Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, April 9, 2026.
