India's Renewable Revolution: A Clean Energy Milestone

India marks a historic leap in clean energy with a record addition of 31.25 GW non-fossil capacity, led by solar power. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi unveils transformative initiatives in Odisha, aiming to empower over 7 lakh people through solar schemes, with India becoming a global leader in renewable energy.

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in its clean energy journey, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announcing the nation's highest-ever addition of non-fossil energy capacity at 31.25 GW, including 24.28 GW from solar power. Speaking at the Global Energy Leaders' Summit 2025 in Puri, Odisha, the Minister also revealed a significant initiative: a 1.5 lakh rooftop solar model aimed at transforming the lives of 7-8 lakh people across the state.

Highlighting the pace of global renewable energy growth, Joshi noted that the world soared to 2 TW of renewable energy by 2024, just two years after reaching the 1 TW mark. India's contribution to this surge has been substantial, adding 46 GW of solar energy from 2022 to 2024, making it the third-largest contributor globally.

Despite being the second-largest consumer of coal, India is innovatively balancing its abundant coal reserves with renewable energy, observing an urgent and strategic shift to renewables as global industrial competitiveness evolves. In Odisha, initiatives under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana have advanced significantly, with thousands of rooftop solar installations enhancing energy accessibility for economically weaker households. The state's renewable energy now constitutes over 34 percent of its total installed power capacity, underpinned by governmental and investor support, praised by Joshi as key to India's clean energy transformation.

(With inputs from agencies.)