Why in news
- Union Environment Minister announced that non-fossil sources now account for 54.18 percent of India's total installed power capacity.
Key terms
Non-fossil energy sources
Power generation technologies that do not rely on hydrocarbons, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and nuclear energy.
Status of Non-Fossil Power Expansion
- Non-fossil power sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy, constitute 54.18 percent of total generation capacity.
- India holds the third rank globally in total installed renewable energy capacity.
- The country stands as the second-largest solar energy expansion market worldwide.
Climate Commitments Alignment
- India achieved its COP21 Panchamrit pledge of reaching 40% non-fossil capacity well ahead of the 2030 target year.
- Aligns with India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
Prelims facts
- Non-fossil power includes renewable sources as well as nuclear energy.
- India's target under updated NDCs is achieving 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Mains discussion
- Balancing energy security with decarbonization commitments under COP pledges.
Source: Economic Times
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q45 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2025 · Q70 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' : I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2023 · Q30 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2. Mass rapid transport 3. Health care 4. Renewable energy On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments? -
2022 · Q12 · GS III · 15 marks
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain. -
2016 · Q11 · GS III · 12 marks
Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).