India’s renewables potential reaches over 2.1 million MW

Wind offers the highest potential for energy generation.

India’s renewable energy generation potential has reached 2,109,655 megawatts (MW) as of 31 March 2024, according to the country’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

In its Energy Statistics India  2025 report, the ministry said the highest potential for generation comes from wind which is at 1,163,856 MW (55.17%), followed by solar energy with 748,990 MW (35.50%), and large hydro with 133,410 MW (6.32%).

The report said India's gross generation of electricity from renewable resources has surged from 205,608 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in fiscal year (FY) 2014-2015 to 370,320 GWh in FY 2023-2024. This represents a 6.76% compound annual growth rate over 10 years.

However, coal remained the primary sourc of India’s energy supply, accounting for nearly 79% of the total energy supplied domestically in FY 2023-2024. Coal production grew by 11.71%, reaching 997.83 million tonnes.

To meet local demand, India is also importing coal, crude oil, and natural gas.

During FY 2023-2024, coal imports rose by 11.2% and reached 262.99 million tonnes, whilst natural gas imports surged by almost 21%, amounting to 31.8 billion cubic metre. The import of crude oil also grew from 232.70 million tonnes to 234.26 million tonnes over the last year.