Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) continued its remarkable journey toward transforming India’s energy landscape in 2024. This progress is in line with India’s commitment to achieving its 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy in line with the ‘Panchamrit’ goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership, 2024 has marked a great moment in India’s renewable energy journey. Our achievement of more than 214 GW from non-fossil sources isn’t just a number – it represents our nation’s unwavering commitment to reaching our ambitious 500 GW goal by 2030, ” said Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi. The Minister added “As we step into 2025, India stands tall as a global lighthouse of sustainable development. Our achievements under Prime Minister Modi aren’t merely about meeting targets; they’re about reimagining what’s possible in the worldwide energy transition. Through these initiatives, we’re crafting a blueprint for a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
Pralhad Joshi assumed the office of Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy in June 2024 and under his guidance, India crossed the 200 GW milestone of total installed Renewable Energy capacity in September 2024. The total installed non-fossil fuel capacity has further increased to 214 GW in November 2024 which is an increase of over 14% as compared to the 187.05 GW in the same period last year. Between April and November of 2024 alone, India added nearly 15 GW of renewable energy capacity, almost double the 7.57 GW added during the same period last year.
Overview of Key Events
MNRE hosted a series of significant events aimed at driving innovation, policy dialogue, and collaboration in renewable energy. The Ministry organised the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investment Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST), held from September 16-18 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat which showcased India’s renewable energy achievements and attracted global stakeholders. Earlier that month, from September 11-13, the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) in New Delhi emphasized advancements in green hydrogen technology and India’s leadership in the sector. The Ministry organised Chintan Shivir in Bhubaneswar on 14th and 15th November, fostering discussions on future strategies with all stakeholders in RE Sector.
MNRE also organised other key events such as Banker’s Conclave on 14th May in Mumbai, which focused on financing under PM Kusum scheme. The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) on 18-22 March 2024 and the World Hydrogen Summit on 15th May 2024 further highlighted India’s commitment to hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution. Additionally, MNRE hosted the National Biogas Road Map for Viksit Bharat on 21st May, a workshop on the National Green Hydrogen Mission on 6th june, and a National Workshop on Carbon Markets on 25th July, underscoring India’s comprehensive approach to achieving a sustainable energy future. This year also witnessed India’s innovative renewable energy solutions being showcased on international platforms such as the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Following are the major highlights of the activities of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy during the year 2024:
PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
• The government launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on 13th February 2024, approved with ₹75,021 crore outlay. The scheme targets installation of rooftop solar in one crore households, provides up to 300 units free electricity monthly and offers subsidies ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 per household.
• Within just 10 months of PMSGMBY, 7 lakh installations have been achieved—an average of 70,000 per month. This marks a ten-fold increase in monthly installations compared to the average of 7,000 per month prior to the launch of the scheme in February 2024. States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have demonstrated exceptional progress, reflecting robust infrastructure and stakeholder collaboration.
• Government issued Guidelines for ‘Incentives to DISCOMs’ with a financial outlay of Rs 4,950 crore, covering net meter availability and installation facilitation.
• As on 05.08.2024, a total of 102 vendors are registered for carrying out the installations of rooftop solar for the State of Odisha.
• Issuance of Operational Guidelines for the ‘Model Solar Village’ scheme, with a total outlay of ₹800 crore, granting ₹1 crore grant for the winning village in each district. It aims to promote solar energy adoption and make villages self-reliant in energy. Villages with populations over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special states) can compete based on their renewable energy capacity.
Read: PMSGMBY Set to Surpass 10 Lakh Installations by March 2025, Targeting One Crore by 2027
NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION
The Ministry continues implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
Key achievements include:
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission has an outlay of ₹600 crore for FY 2024-25.
• The mission aims for a Green Hydrogen production capacity by 2030, potentially attracting over ₹8 lakh crore in investments. This investment is expected to create 6,00,000 jobs by 2030.
• The mission could reduce fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore and cut carbon emissions by 5 MMT by 2030.
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme implementation:
• Tenders awarded to companies for 4.12 lakh TPA green hydrogen production
• Selection of manufacturers for 1,500 MW electrolyser capacity
• Government Increases Green Ammonia Allocation for Fertilizer Sector from 5.5 lakh tonnes to 7.5 lakh tonnes per annum.
Under SIGHT Scheme (Mode 1 Tranche-II): Under this scheme guidelines by MNRE, this tranche includes a total capacity of 450,000 TPA, with 40,000 TPA reserved for biomass-based pathways.
• Guidelines issued for pilot projects in transport sector with ₹496 crore outlay
• Request For Selection (RfS) issued for selection of Green Ammonia producers for 5.39 lakh MT/year capacity
• New initiatives launched for shipping sector with ₹115 crore budget
• Guidelines Issued for Green Hydrogen Testing and Infrastructure Support by MNREfor funding testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support, with a budget of Rs. 200 crore until 2025-26, focusing on establishing a robust quality and testing ecosystem in the GH2.
2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH -2024)
• MNRE in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research organized the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH -2024) from 11th – 13th September at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The three-day event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to explore advancements in Green Hydrogen technology. Shri Joshi emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in Green Hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This year’s edition featured over 2000 registrations, with more than 6000 participants, including 120+ exhibitors. The conference covered topics such as green financing, human resource upskilling, and start-up initiatives. Following the success of the inaugural edition, India has made significant progress in the Green Hydrogen sector, including awarding 3000 MW for electrolyser manufacturing and 4,12,000 TPA for Green Hydrogen production. Pilot projects in the steel, shipping, and mobility sectors are also in the pipeline, and a Rs. 400 crore R&D scheme has been launched to support research in the Green Hydrogen ecosystem.
REINVEST: Global Renewable Energy Summit
MNRE organized the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investment Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST) from 16th – 18th September 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the event highlighted India’s renewable energy achievements and commitment to the 500 GW non-fossil power target by 2030. State governments, banks, developers, and international delegations from Australia, Germany, USA, UK, and others participated, giving Shapath-Patra outlining targets and funding commitments. Over 10,000 delegates attended, with 44 sessions, including key discussions on Green Hydrogen’s applications across industries.
SOLAR ENERGY
• As of November 2024, India’s cumulative installed solar energy capacity has reached 94.17 GW.
• Growth Ahead: The country’s total installed and pipeline solar projects combined stand (as on Nov 2024) at 261.15 GW, reflecting a strong pipeline for future growth and expansion in the solar sector.
SOLAR PARKS AND BATTERY STORAGE
• Lakshadweep’s first on-grid solar plant inaugurated in Kavaratti with 1.7 MW capacity and 1.4 MWh BESS
• Commissioned India’s largest Solar-BESS in Rajnandgaon with 40 MW/120 MWh capacity integrated with 152.325 MWh solar plant
SOLAR PV MODULE
• As on 30.06.2024, the total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) power in the country is 85.47 GW.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, effective from April 1, 2023, which apply to solar photovoltaic modules, panels, or cells, with waste storage guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board until 2034-35.
WIND ENERGY
• As of November 2024, India’s cumulative wind power capacity stands at 47.96 GW.
• Future Growth: The country’s installed and pipeline wind energy projects (as on Nov 2024) total is 74.44 GW, driving continued progress in renewable energy.
Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, recognized Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu for leading in wind capacity addition during FY 2023-24.
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
• SECI has invited bids for development of 4 GW offshore wind energy off Tamil Nadu coast, divided into four blocks of 1 GW each.
• Cabinet Approves VGF Scheme for Offshore Wind Projects: Approved a Rs. 7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to set up India’s first offshore wind energy projects. The scheme includes Rs. 6,853 crore for 1 GW of offshore wind capacity (500 MW each off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu) and Rs. 600 crore for port upgrades to support logistics for these projects.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has explored geothermal energy in 381 areas across India, estimating a potential of 10,600 MW.
• Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) commissioned a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant in Manuguru, Telangana.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing the “Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme” to advance geothermal energy.
• The Ministry of Coal allocated Rs 2.42 Crore for the establishment of the 20 kW pilot plant in Telangana.
PM JANMAN
MNRE is implementing the New Solar Power Scheme (for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Habitations/Villages) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) to electrify un-electrified PVTG households, identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, by providing off-grid solar systems where grid electricity is unavailable and not techno-economically feasible.
Rooftop Solar
Support to Promote New and Renewable Energy:TEDA is solarizing government buildings in Tamil Nadu, including offices, courts, and educational institutions. Tamil Nadu generated 33.17 BU of renewable energy in 2023-24 and 4.62 BU up to May 2024.
PM KUSUM
Significant progress achieved under various components:
• Over 2.95 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps installed
• 10,000 MW decentralized solar plants on farmers’ land
• 35 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps solarized
• As of 30.06.2024, 4,11,222 farmers nationwide have benefited from the PM-KUSUM scheme, with 51,097 farmers in Uttar Pradesh benefiting by 29.07.2024.
• Under Components B and C of PM- KUSUM: 30% CFA provided (or 50% for North Eastern/Hilly regions/Islands) for installing standalone agriculture pumps and solarizing grid-connected pumps.
• About 11.34 GW of solar energy capacity has been installed during January to November 2024.
BIOENERGY
National Biomass Program
• Revised CFA for Pellet Manufacturing: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has revised the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for Pellet manufacturing plants. The CFA for Non-Torrefied Pellet plants is Rs. 21 lakh/MTPH (max Rs. 105 lakh/project), while for Torrefied Pellet plants, it is Rs. 42 lakh/MTPH (max Rs. 210 lakh/project).
• The National Seminar on Biomass Supply Chain Management, organized by SSS-NIBE, was held on September 5, 2024, at MGSIPA Complex, Chandigarh. The seminar focused on addressing challenges and opportunities in managing biomass supply chains in India. Mission Director, SAMARTH, Ministry of Power, emphasized the need to improve demand creation for biomass offtake, while the Executive Director of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology highlighted the importance of modern bioenergy pathways. The event brought together government officials, industry representatives, and researchers to discuss the development of efficient biomass supply chains to support India’s transition to a circular bio-economy.
Annual Bidding Trajectory
• Notification of trajectory for RE power bids of 50 GW/annum to be issued by Renewable Energy Implementation Agencies [REIAs: Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN)] from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.
• “Strategy for Establishments of Offshore Wind Energy Projects” has been issued indicating a bidding trajectory of 37 GW by 2030 and various business models for project development.
• To augment transmission infrastructure needed for steep RE trajectory, transmission plan has been prepared till 2030.
Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)
• Government of India has announced the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) trajectory up to 2029-30, including separate RPO for Decentralized Renewable Energy, to boost RE consumption.
GREEN ENERGY CORRIDOR Phase II – Inter State Transmission System for 13 GW RE Projects in Ladakh
• An Inter-State Transmission System would be set up for power evacuation and grid integration of the 13 GW RE projects in Ladakh and dispatch of power from the U.T. of Ladakh to other parts of the country.
• Progress in 2024:
• 300 acres land acquired at Pang
• HVDC tender published; awards expected by March 2025
• LIDAR survey initiated for transmission lines
ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER PSUs
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) continued its impressive growth trajectory in 2024, achieving its highest-ever annual performance. The agency sanctioned loans worth ₹37,354 crores and disbursed ₹25,089 crores, with a record Profit After Tax of ₹1,252 crores and a 26.71% growth in its loan book, which reached ₹59,650 crores. IREDA reduced its Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) to below 1%. Strategic partnerships were forged through MoUs with Indian Overseas Bank and IIT Bhubaneswar, and plans for a retail subsidiary were announced.As of March 31, 2024, IREDA has disbursed a total of ₹1,25,917 crores in renewable energy loans, underscoring its pivotal role in financing India’s green energy transition.
• IREDA secured International Credit Rating: ‘BBB-‘ long-term and ‘A-3’ short-term credit rating from S&P Global, with a ‘Stable’ outlook. This rating has enhanced IREDA’s global presence, enabling access to international funding and supporting its borrowing plans.
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited(SECI)
• SECI Attains Navratna Status: SECI’s cumulative awarded capacity stands at 69.25 GW, with an annual trading volume of over 42 billion units. In FY 2023-24, SECI achieved a consolidated turnover of Rs. 13,118.68 Crore, up 20.85%, and a PAT of Rs. 510.92 Crore, reflecting a 34.89% growth.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
• ISA hosted 7th Assembly meeting of International Solar Alliance, held in New Delhi on 3-6th November 2024, was presided by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. Under India’s leadership, ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries. India was elected as president of the ISA for the fourth consecutive two years term.
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi participated in the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), held from 07-08 October 2024, wherein, he delivered a Key Note address during the session on Green Shipping. He highlighted India’s achievements in the Renewable Energy sector and the leadership in energy transition through its programmes and policies.
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi chaired the signing of India’s first Green Ammonia export agreement with Japan, marking a major step in India’s leadership in green hydrogen and ammonia production. This cross-border partnership highlights India’s growing role in the global green energy sector.
• India organized its first Pavilion at the Annual World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• SECI participated in Aatmnirbhar Bharat Utsav 2024.
• India had exclusive partnership with the European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.
• During ICGH-2024, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between Chane Terminal from Netherlands and ACME Cleantech from India for Ammonia import terminals.
ATAL AKSHAY URJA BHAWAN (MNRE Building)
• Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi received LEED Platinum 4.1 certificate for Green Building and awarded 5-star GRIHA Rating for integrated habitat assessment.
