Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI – In a historic leap toward energy self-reliance, India has added a staggering 52,537 MW of power generation capacity in the first ten months of the current financial year (FY 2025–26). This milestone, announced by the Ministry of Power on Sunday, marks the highest-ever capacity addition in a single year, obliterating the previous record of 34,054 MW set in FY 2024–25.
The surge represents an 11.2% increase in the nation’s total installed capacity since April 2025, bringing the country’s total power base to 520,510.95 MW as of January 31, 2026.
A Renewable Revolution
The hallmark of this year’s growth is the decisive shift toward green energy. Renewable sources accounted for approximately 75% of the new capacity, with solar energy leading the charge.
Solar Power: Contributed a massive 34,955 MW.
Wind Power: Added 4,613 MW.
Total Renewable Addition: 39,657 MW.
With these additions, India’s energy mix has crossed a critical threshold. Non-fossil fuel sources (including renewables and nuclear) now stand at 271,969.33 MW, officially surpassing fossil fuel-based capacity, which sits at 248,541.62 MW.
Strategic Milestones and State Leaders
The Ministry highlighted that this rapid expansion has allowed India to meet its international climate commitments (COP26) nearly five years ahead of the 2030 schedule.
State Leading Renewable Capacity
Gujarat 43,998 MW (Leader in Wind)
Rajasthan 43,798 MW (Leader in Solar)
Maharashtra 31,382 MW
“This record-breaking year underscores India’s transformation from a power-deficit nation to a power-surplus global leader,” the Ministry stated. National energy shortages have plummeted to a mere 0.03% this fiscal year, down from 4.2% a decade ago.
Looking Ahead
To support the expanding economy and a peak demand projected to hit 458 GW by 2032, the government is simultaneously modernizing the grid. Over 6,500 circuit kilometers of transmission lines were added in 2025 alone, ensuring that the record-breaking generation reaches every corner of the country.
