India Aims for 500 GW Clean Energy Capacity in Decade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that India will add 500 gigawatts of new non-fossil fuel capacity over the next 10 to 11 years. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Modi stated that while the target is difficult, he has faith in the country's capabilities.

Clean Energy Goals

Modi noted that India achieved its Paris pledge target of meeting half of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025, which was five years ahead of schedule. The country currently has 308 gigawatts of installed non-fossil capacity, making up about 55.1 percent of the total power generation capacity of 558.89 gigawatts according to Central Electricity Authority data. India is also working toward a National Green Hydrogen Mission to produce 50 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen by the end of the decade and launched its first green hydrogen train a few months ago.

Investments And Crisis

According to Modi, clean energy investments helped India avoid a severe energy crisis during the West Asia war. More than $164 billion has been invested in the renewable energy sector over the past decade, including about $63 billion in just two years since the RE-INVEST Summit in 2024. Officials estimate that investment opportunities worth more than Rs 20 lakh crore, or roughly $220 billion, will emerge in this sector by the end of the decade.

Context

Non-fossil fuel energy sources include solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, and green hydrogen power, which reduce reliance on imported oil and coal. Shifting toward these renewable sources helps countries stabilize their power supply and protect their economies from sudden fuel price spikes in global markets.