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India has reached 242.78 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity—50% of its total installed electricity capacity of 484.82 GW—as of June 2025, achieving its Paris Agreement target under the NDCs five years early.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Term	Explanation
Non-Fossil Fuels	Energy sources not derived from coal, oil, or natural gas; includes renewables and nuclear power.
NDCs	Nationally Determined Contributions – voluntary targets set by countries under the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.

Current Status of India’s Power Mix (as of June 2025)

Source	Installed Capacity (GW)	Share in Total Capacity (%)
Renewable Energy	184.62	38.08%
Large Hydropower	49.38	10.19%
Nuclear Energy	8.78	1.81%
Total Non-Fossil	242.78	50.08%
Total Installed	484.82	100%

Key Initiatives Behind the Growth in Renewable Energy

Initiative	Purpose
PM Surya Ghar Yojana	Promotes rooftop solar systems for households to ensure decentralized access.
Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy	Enables hybrid projects to optimize land and improve grid efficiency.
PM-KUSUM	Provides solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers.
PLI Scheme for Solar PVs	Boosts domestic production of high-efficiency solar modules.
Green Energy Corridor	Enhances grid infrastructure to integrate renewable energy.
National Green Hydrogen Mission	Promotes use of green hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative.
National Bioenergy Programme	Supports projects on biogas, biomass, and waste-to-energy generation.

In a Nutshell

Mnemonic: S.H.I.N.E.R.S.
Surya Ghar Yojana
Hybrid wind-solar policy
Irrigation via PM-KUSUM
National Green Hydrogen push
Energy corridors upgraded
Renewable module manufacturing (PLI)
Sustainable bioenergy program

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT considered a non-fossil fuel energy source?
A. Solar energy
B. Biomass
C. Natural gas
D. Nuclear energy

2. With reference to India’s power generation mix, which of the following statements is true as of June 2025?
A. Over 60% of India’s installed capacity comes from non-fossil fuels.
B. Renewable energy accounts for more than half of India’s energy mix.
C. Non-fossil sources contribute exactly half of the total installed capacity.
D. Nuclear energy has the largest share among non-fossil sources.

3. What is the primary goal of the Green Energy Corridor Scheme?
A. Build new power plants in coal belts
B. Export solar modules to foreign markets
C. Strengthen transmission infrastructure for renewable integration
D. Support carbon capture and storage

Prelims Answers and Explanations

Qn	Answer	Explanation
1	C	Natural gas is a fossil fuel; others are non-fossil sources.
2	C	As of June 2025, non-fossil fuels contribute 50.08% of installed capacity.
3	C	The Green Energy Corridor aims to improve renewable power transmission.