India has witnessed a substantial increase in its power generation capacity during the fiscal year 2023-24, according to official figures released by the government. The data reveals a notable increase in both fossil fuel-based and non-fossil fuel-based capacities, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix.
The country's fossil fuel-based power generation capacity rose by 2.44 percent, reaching 243.22 gigawatts (GW) compared to 237.27 GW in March 2023. This category encompasses power generation from coal, lignite, gas, and diesel sources. Coal-based capacity increased by approximately 3 percent to 210.97 GW, while gas capacity saw a marginal rise to 25.04 GW. Lignite- and diesel-based capacities were reported at 6.62 GW and 0.59 GW, respectively.
The data also highlights a remarkable surge of 10.79 percent in non-fossil fuel-based capacity, totaling 190.57 GW in 2023-24, up from 172.01 GW in the previous fiscal year. This category includes power generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Renewable energy sources witnessed a substantial increase to 143.64 GW, marking a growth of 14.76 percent over the previous year. Additionally, hydropower capacity expanded to 46.93 GW from 46.85 GW.
India's nuclear power capacity witnessed a notable uptick, rising to 8.18 GW from 6.78 GW in the preceding fiscal year, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.64 percent.
The cumulative power generation capacity of India surged by 6.22 percent to 441.97 GW in FY24, compared to 416.06 GW in the previous fiscal year, showcasing a robust growth trajectory in the nation's energy infrastructure.
This data highlights the nation’s commitment to enhancing its energy security, promoting sustainability, and meeting the growing electricity demand. The substantial growth in both fossil fuel-based and non-fossil fuel-based capacities signifies a balanced approach towards energy generation, emphasizing the importance of diversification in the energy sector to ensure resilience and sustainability.
