India emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of electricity from wind and solar energy in 2024, surpassing Germany, according to the sixth edition of Ember’s *Global Electricity Review*. The report highlights India’s rapid clean energy growth, with wind and solar contributing 10% of the nation’s electricity. Combined, clean energy sources such as hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear accounted for 22% of India’s electricity generation. Globally, low-carbon sources generated 40.9% of electricity in 2024—crossing the 40% threshold for the first time since the 1940s.
India Shines Bright in Global Solar Surge, Becomes Third-Largest Market
Solar energy led the global clean energy surge, contributing 474 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2024, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing power source for the 20th consecutive year. Worldwide solar generation now accounts for 6.9% of the electricity mix—double what it was just three years ago. India mirrored this trend, with solar contributing 7% to its electricity generation, doubling its output since 2021. In 2024 alone, India added 24 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity—more than double its 2023 addition—making it the third-largest solar market after China and the US. The country also recorded the fourth-largest increase in solar generation globally, adding 20 TWh.
Ember’s experts emphasized solar power’s pivotal role in the global energy transition. Managing Director Phil MacDonald called solar “an unstoppable force” when paired with battery storage. Ember’s Asia Programme Director Aditya Lolla noted the acceleration of clean energy in Asia, stressing the need for robust clean energy markets to ensure energy security and economic resilience.
India’s Clean Energy Goals Hinge on 20% Annual Funding Boost
Despite impressive strides, challenges remain. According to Ember’s February analysis, India must increase clean energy funding by 20% annually to meet its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030—a goal tied closely to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). UN climate chief Simon Stiell called India a “solar superpower” and urged it to fully embrace the global clean energy boom to accelerate its economic growth.
Summary:
India became the world’s third-largest wind and solar power producer in 2024, with clean sources contributing 22% of its electricity. Solar alone made up 7%, doubling since 2021. However, to meet its 2030 goals, India must boost clean energy funding by 20% annually, experts warn.
