Record Power Generation from Clean Energy Sources in India (2025)

In 2025, India achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy, which led to a decrease in fossil fuel-based electricity generation, marking a rare global trend.

Decline in Fossil Fuel-Based Electricity

• India produced 52 TWh less fossil fuel-based electricity than in 2024.
• China also saw a decline of 56 TWh in fossil-based electricity.
• This global decline is a historic reversal in fossil trends for both countries, the largest and third-largest fossil power producers globally.
• It was only the fifth time this century that fossil fuel-based electricity generation did not increase year-on-year globally.

Increase in Renewable Energy Capacity

• India added almost 38 GW of new solar energy capacity in 2025, surpassing the US, which added about 33 GW.
• Additionally, over 6.3 GW of wind power and about 4 GW of hydropower capacity were installed.
• Total renewable energy capacity added in 2025 amounted to more than 48 GW.

Impact of Weather on Energy Demand

• Good monsoon and a milder summer led to tepid electricity demand growth.
• Despite the increased demand, renewables generated 98 TWh more electricity compared to the previous year, covering the additional requirement.

Reports and Projections

• CREA and Carbon Brief's study in January 2025 noted a decline in coal-fired electricity generation, a first in half a century, excluding the pandemic period.
• India's carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector also saw a decline in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Forecast for 2026

• Despite projections of increased renewable capacity, the India Meteorological Department predicts below-normal rainfall for the monsoon season.
• Lower rainfall could decrease hydropower generation and increase electricity demand due to increased groundwater pumping and air-conditioning use.