Home » Nation and Beyond » India’s solar capacity grows from 2 GW to over 160 GW in 12 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s significant growth in clean energy during his address at the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in Delhi on September 19.
He stated that the country’s solar energy capacity has increased from approximately 2 gigawatts (GW) twelve years ago to over 160 GW today. Modi explained that expansions included rooftop solar panels, solar pumps, LED bulbs, and other energy-efficient technologies as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
“Twelve years ago, India’s solar energy capacity was around 2 Gigawatts. Today, that capacity has surpassed 160 Gigawatts,” he said.
The Prime Minister drew attention to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a government programme aimed at converting households into solar power hubs. According to recent government data, more than 50 lakh households had installed rooftop solar panels under this scheme by August 2026, contributing 14.8 GW of rooftop solar capacity. Financial support of up to approximately Rs 80,000 per household has been provided under the programme.
He also mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), which has facilitated the installation of solar pumps on farms belonging to around 30 lakh farmers.
Modi added that India had completed the “One Nation, One Grid” project and distributed LED bulbs to millions of households to enhance energy efficiency. He stated, “Through solar energy alone, India has successfully prevented approximately 20 crore tonnes of carbon emissions.”
The Prime Minister further noted that India’s clean energy progress extends beyond solar power. “Alongside solar energy, India has achieved significant milestones in other clean energy sectors as well. Over the past 12 years, the country’s wind energy capacity has tripled. Hydro energy capacity has seen substantial growth, and the nation is now rapidly advancing its nuclear energy generation,” he said. Modi also cited the development of technologies for cleaner utilisation of existing energy resources, including coal gasification.
Highlighting advances in hydrogen-based mobility, he referred to the launch of India’s first hydrogen train, calling it a new phase in clean mobility. Modi also noted the growth of electric vehicles, stating their number had increased nearly 950-fold in the past twelve years.
Regarding nuclear energy projects, the Prime Minister raised concerns about opposition from environmental advocates, observing that some who promote environmental protection approach courts to challenge the expansion of nuclear energy.
These remarks come as India continues to expand renewable energy capacity and increase household-level clean energy adoption. Government data indicates that installed solar capacity reached 164.59 GW by July 31, 2026, up from about 2.8 GW in 2014. The PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to support rooftop solar installations in one crore households, having already surpassed the 50-lakh household milestone in 2026.
This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]
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