Knowledge Nugget: India's ‘green' power capacity overtakes thermal — What you must know for UPSC Exam
India has reached a key climate milestone five years ahead of schedule — as of June 30, non-fossil fuel sources account for 50.1 per cent of the country's installed electricity capacity. When the Paris Agreement on climate change was signed in 2015, India had committed to reaching 40 per cent non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. This target was raised to 50 per cent in 2022.
1. The sources — which include nuclear, large hydro, and renewables — made up just 30 per cent of installed capacity in 2015 and 38 per cent in 2020, before rising sharply over the last five years, on the back of solar and wind power.
2. As of June, India's total installed capacity stood at 485 gigawatts (GW). Of this, renewables — including solar, wind, small hydro, and biogas — accounted for 185 GW, according to a press release by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
3. Large hydro capacities contributed 49 GW, and nuclear energy added 9 GW, taking the total non-fossil fuel capacity just over the halfway mark. Thermal power, mostly coal- and gas-based, made up the remaining 242 GW, or 49.9 per cent. In 2015, thermal's share was 70 per cent.
Installed Capacity
Thermal
Non-fossil fuel
Grand Total
Non-fossil fuel share (%)
Nuclear
Large hydro
Renewables*
June 2015
191.26
5.78
42
35.78
274.82
30.4
June 2020
230.9
6.78
45.7
87.67
371.05
37.8
June 2025
242.04
8.78
49.38
184.62
484.82
50.1
*Solar, wind, small hydro, biomass. (Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, CEA)
4. Notably, in 2024, India ranked fourth globally in renewable installed capacity, including large hydro, behind only China, the US, and Brazil.
5. The rise in contribution of renewables to India's energy mix marks a significant shift, driven by the rapid addition of solar and wind power in recent years. However, installed thermal capacity falling below the halfway mark does not mean India's reliance on thermal power has dipped below 50 per cent. On the contrary, since renewable sources such as solar and wind are intermittent and cannot generate power around the clock, thermal plants still produce over 70 per cent of the country's electricity.
6. Bringing down thermal's share in power generation — and hitting India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030 — will require much more, starting with the stabilisation and strengthening of the grid.
With renewables now contributing 185 GW to India's total installed power capacity, let's understand what the different types of renewable energy sources are.
1. Solar Energy: Solar energy is harnessed from the sun's radiation. It can be transformed into electricity using solar panels (photovoltaic cells) or alternatively can be utilised to produce heat through solar thermal systems. Due to its abundance, solar power stands out as one of the most widely available renewable energy sources. China, the US, India and Japan are among the world's leading producers of solar power.
2. Hydropower: It is created by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water in rivers, dams, waterfalls, etc. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy.
3. Biomass Energy: Biomass is produced from organic materials such as plant residues, animal waste, and wood. It can be heated or converted to liquid or gaseous fuels for consumption. Its usage includes heating, electricity generation, or biofuels for transportation. It is considered renewable because the materials used can be regrown or replenished.
4. Wind Energy: It is generated by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using wind turbines. Onshore and offshore wind farms have become a significant contributor to the renewable energy mix in many countries like China, India and the US.
5. Geothermal Energy: This form of energy is derived from the Earth's internal heat. These can be naturally occurring hot water reservoirs or can be man-made. Occurring at various depths and varying temperatures below the earth's surface, these geothermal resources can be used for electricity generation and direct heating applications. Geothermal power plants which produce electricity, typically utilise steam or hot water from underground reservoirs.
6. Tidal and Wave Energy: It harnesses the movement of ocean water to generate electricity. Tidal energy relies on the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, whereas wave energy captures the energy of surface waves.
The Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2024, released by the World Economic Forum, ranked 120 countries based on their advancements towards a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy future. Here are the countries leading the way in energy transition, as reported by the World Economic Forum.
Source: ETI 2024, WEF
India has ranked 63rd out of 120 countries in the 2024 Global Energy Transition Index, which is an improvement from its previous position of 67th in 2023.
The Bottom 10 Countries in WEF's energy transition index:
Source: ETI 2024, WEF
1. On October 2, 2015, India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It became a signatory to the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement – an international treaty adopted in 2015, which operates on a five-year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action plans known as NDC.
2. India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) initially included two main goals: First, to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level, and second, to achieve about 40 per cent of its total installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel energy resources by 2030.
3. In August 2022, India updated these targets: The goal for reducing the emissions intensity of GDP was increased to 45 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level, and the target for non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity was raised to 50 per cent by 2030.
4. In addition, India has set itself a target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030 (as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, UK). Furthermore, India is potentially aiming for 1 TW (form 500 GW) by 2035. India has also set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
India has implemented various schemes to achieve its renewable energy targets. Some of the key schemes that have contributed to this include:
📌Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme (PM-KUSUM): This scheme promotes the installation of small grid-connected solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps in rural areas.
📌PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: It is a government project aimed at providing free power to Indian families. Launched on February 15, 2024, the initiative would give homes with a rebate for installing solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy will pay for up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels. The plan is anticipated to benefit one crore households in India. The scheme will promote the use of renewable energy.
📌Grid Connected Rooftop Solar program (Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana): Under this scheme, solar PV panels are installed on the roof of a building to meet the electricity needs of the building. Surplus solar power units generated from the rooftop solar plant can also be exported to the grid.
📌Green Energy Corridor Scheme: The series of infrastructure projects under this scheme aimed at synchronising the power generated from renewable energy sources with the national grid of India.
📌National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) implemented the NGHM with a target to achieve a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen by 2030. This will support an addition of about 125 GW of renewable energy capacity in our country.
Consider the following statements about Solar Power (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana):
1. The scheme was launched in 2022.
2. Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy cover of 40 per cent to install solar panels on their roofs.
3. The scheme will promote the use of renewable energy.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(Sources: India's 'green' power capacity overtakes thermal: Why it matters, the challenges posed, and what's next, Akshay Urja Day 2024: India making strides in advancing renewable energy,Top 10 countries leading energy transition 2024: Where does India rank on the ETI?)
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Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: roshni.yadav@indianexpress.com ... Read More
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'Once GM material enters, there is a high risk it could leak into local farming systems or processed food chains, posing risks to food safety, environmental integrity, and India's export reputation — especially in GM‑sensitive markets such as the EU,' the think tank warned. Do You Know: • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) involve the modification of the genetic material of the host by the introduction of foreign genetic material. Notably, GMOs is a broader term that includes GM crops as a subset. GM crops are plants used in agriculture whose DNA has been altered to add desired properties. They are usually developed to increase yield, resist pests/herbicides, and withstand extreme weather conditions. • Gene modification is different from genetic editing (GE). GM involves the introduction of genes from unrelated species into host plants. 'GM is nothing more than a breeding technique, much like crossing that we've been doing for thousands of years. But it's more sophisticated, so we can make very precise changes very rapidly,' said David Spencer, a phytopathologist and spokesperson for Replanet, an alliance of NGOs advocating for science-based solutions to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and India: 4 essential questions to understand the debate Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1. To enable them to withstand drought 2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce 3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations 4. To increase their shelf life Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 'What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India's National self-esteem and ambitions'. Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2019) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: As border clashes continue between Thailand and Cambodia, India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the situation and hoped both sides would take measures for cessation of hostilities. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the status of India's bilateral relations with Cambodia and Thailand. • What is happening at the Thailand-Cambodia border? • Why have Thailand-Cambodia ties deteriorated of late? • What is India's diplomatic response to the Thailand-Cambodia clashes? • Read about Prasat Ta Muen Thom. • What is ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)? • What is the significance of regional groupings like ASEAN in conflict resolution within Southeast Asia? • What is India's Act East Policy? • How do border disputes in Southeast Asia impact India's Act East Policy? • Map work: Cambodia, Thailand and ASEAN member countries Key Takeaways: • The Ministry of External Affairs also urged Indian travellers in both countries to contact embassies in case they needed any assistance. • 'We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand,' said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to media queries. • 'India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation,' he said, adding, 'Indian travellers in the region may contact our respective embassies in the two countries for any assistance.' • At least 32 people have been killed and nearly 1,50,000 displaced in the border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries that erupted on Thursday. Both countries have recalled their ambassadors and Thailand has closed its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia. • During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the United Nations Security Council called for de-escalation and urged the regional bloc, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), to mediate a peaceful solution. Do You Know: • Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet Sunday said he agreed to an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' in armed clashes with Thailand following a phone call with US President Donald Trump late Saturday night. In an official statement, Hun Manet said, 'On the night of Saturday, 26 July 2025, I had a phone discussion with Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States, regarding the armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border.' • He added, 'The President of the United States expressed his desire not to see war or fighting that would lead to many deaths and injuries on both sides, including soldiers and civilians.' • Thailand confirmed in principle its agreement to a ceasefire but urged 'sincere intention' from Cambodia. 'Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law,' Thailand's foreign ministry said in a statement cited by AP. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: The border dispute, and the Hindu temples at the heart of deadly Cambodia-Thailand clashes Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Hindustan Times
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UPSC Recruitment 2025: Apply for 45 Assistant Director posts at upsc.gov.in
Union Public Service Commission, UPSC has invited applications for Assistant Director posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of UPSC at UPSC Recruitment 2025: Apply for 45 Assistant Director posts at This recruitment drive will fill up 45 vacancies in the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The last date to apply is August 14, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Masters' Degree in Computer application/Computer Science or Master of Technology (M. Tech.) (with specialization in Computer Application) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE)/Bachelor of Technology (B Tech.) in Computer Engineering/ Computer Science/Computer Technology of a recognized University or equivalent OR Degree in Computer Applications/ Computer Science or Degree in Electronics/Electronics and Communication Engineering from a recognized University or equivalent OR Masters Degree of a recognized University or equivalent or Degree in Engineering of a recognized University or equivalent. Application Fee Candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 25/- only either by remitting the money in any branch of the SBI by cash or by using net banking facility of any bank or by using Visa/Master/Rupay/Credit/Debit Card/UPI payment. No fee for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates of any community. No "fee exemption" is available to Gen/OBC/EWS male candidates and they are required to pay the full prescribed fee. Other Details The category-wise minimum level of suitability in interviews, irrespective of whether the selection is made only by interview or by Recruitment Test followed by interview, will be UR/EWS-50 marks, OBC-45 marks, SC/ST/PwBD-40 marks, out of the total marks of interview being 100.
