India emerged as the world’s fourth largest generator of clean electricity in 2025, overtaking France and Canada, according to Ember. Clean sources accounted for 27 percent of total electricity generation, while solar and wind together contributed 14 percent, highlighting the rapid expansion of renewables in the country.
Solar power led the transition, supplying 9.4 percent of India’s electricity demand in 2025. Despite this progress, fossil fuels still dominated with a 73 percent share, making the power sector the largest contributor to emissions. However, a major shift occurred in 2025 as all incremental electricity demand was met by clean energy, while coal generation declined by 2.9 percent.
India’s renewable momentum continues to strengthen, with 258 GW of installed capacity by December 2025, progressing toward its 500 GW target by 2030. Under current plans, renewables could reach 42 percent of generation by 2030, signaling a structural transformation in the power sector.
Over the past decade, solar capacity has expanded fourteen-fold, reducing dependence on coal and reshaping the energy mix. However, challenges remain in scaling transmission infrastructure and improving grid flexibility to support higher renewable penetration.
India’s energy transition also intersects with coal dynamics. As the second largest coal producer globally, rising coal output could increase methane emissions without strong policy intervention. Strengthening measurement, reporting, and verification frameworks will be critical to align emissions reduction with climate goals.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
