Has India Really Achieved Its 40% Clean Energy Target?

In 2015, during the Paris Climate Agreement, India committed to generating 40% of its total electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. In November 2021, the Indian government made a bold claim—India had achieved this ambitious target nearly a decade ahead of schedule. The government reported that 40.1% of the nation’s installed electricity capacity, or 156.83 gigawatts (GW), now came from renewable energy sources.

However, while the milestone is notable, achieving this capacity is different from achieving actual clean energy generation in practice. When examining the country’s total energy generation, the numbers tell a different story.

Key Energy Facts:

• India’s total installed energy generation capacity: 390.8 GW
• Installed renewable energy capacity: 156.83 GW (40.1%)
• September 2021 energy generation from thermal sources: 85.32 billion units
• September 2021 energy generation from renewable sources: 28.44% of the total

Is India Meeting Its Clean Energy Goals?

While India may have reached 40.1% of installed renewable capacity, this does not translate into actual energy being generated from clean sources. According to recent data, thermal power plants (mostly coal-based) still dominate India’s energy landscape. In September 2021 alone, 108.24 billion units of electricity were generated in the country, out of which a significant 85.32 billion units came from thermal sources.

In contrast, only 28.44% of the electricity generated in September was from renewable sources, showing a significant gap between installed capacity and actual utilization.

Coal’s Persistent Grip on Energy Production

Despite efforts to increase clean energy capacity, India’s reliance on coal remains strong. In November 2020, 82.68 billion units of electricity came from thermal power plants, representing the majority of energy production. This continued dependence on coal makes it difficult for India to transition fully to renewable energy sources.

Reducing coal usage is crucial not only to meet international commitments but also to improve air quality in India, which consistently faces severe pollution problems.

Hydropower and Renewable Contributions

Hydropower remains a significant contributor to India’s renewable energy mix. In September 2021, hydropower alone generated 17.81 billion units, accounting for 14.59% of the total electricity output. In the same month, renewable energy sources as a whole contributed 28.44% of the country’s electricity generation. However, this percentage falls short of the installed capacity, highlighting inefficiencies in energy generation.

The Road Ahead for India’s Clean Energy

While India’s installed renewable energy capacity may meet the 40% target, the challenge remains in increasing actual clean energy generation. Transitioning away from thermal power, particularly coal, will be crucial for India to meet its long-term sustainability goals and reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, improving the efficiency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, will be necessary to close the gap between capacity and generation.

In the coming years, continued investment in renewable infrastructure and a reduction in fossil fuel dependency will determine the success of India’s clean energy future.