India has surpassed Japan in solar energy generation, producing 1,08,494 GWh, and is now the world’s third-largest solar energy producer—after China and the US, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced
“India has outpaced Japan in solar energy generation — producing 1,08,494 GWh compared to Japan’s 96,459 GWh — and is now the world’s third-largest solar power producer. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India is leading the way in the global clean energy revolution,” Joshi said on X.
According to the International Energy Agency’s 2024 data, China led global solar PV capacity additions, installing 260 GW in 2023—nearly three times the amount added the previous year. This surge aligns with the ambitious targets outlined in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy, introduced in 2022, which is expected to continue driving rapid capacity growth.
The US included generous new funding for solar PV in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. PV additions in the US increased in 2023 by 70%, reaching a record 32 GW
India installed 12 GW of solar PV in 2023, marking a one-third decline from 2022. However, installations are expected to accelerate in 2024 as supply chain issues ease and larger auction volumes convert into active projects. Meanwhile, Brazil added 15 GW in 2023—nearly 30% more than the previous year.
India has surpassed one of its Paris Agreement targets five years ahead of schedule by achieving over 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources. As per its updated NDCs submitted in August 2022, India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, increase the share of non-fossil energy to 50%, and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover.
As of June 30, India’s total installed power capacity stood at 484.8 GW, comprising 242.04 GW (49.92%) from thermal sources, 8.78 GW (1.81%) from nuclear, and 234.00 GW (48.27%) from renewables.
Resource: Hindustan Times
