India's Big Plan: Solar Power Generation Capacity to Nearly Quadruple Within the Next 10 Years

MaticHoleFiller · 2026-03-21T07:32:09+00:00

India plans to significantly increase solar and wind power generation capacity over the next decade, with projected total solar installed capacity reaching 509 gigawatts and wind power 155 gigawatts by fiscal year 2035-36, with non-fossil fuels accounting for 70% of total installed capacity. Despite the increase in renewable energy, coal will still account for approximately 60% of power generation.

MaticHoleFiller

2026-03-21 07:32:09

Abstract generation in progress

According to the new Power Generation Adequacy Plan released by India’s Central Electricity Authority, India expects to nearly quadruple its solar power capacity and double its wind power assets over the next decade.

India projects that by the end of the fiscal year 2035-36, its total installed solar capacity will reach 509 GW, compared to 140 GW as of January 2026.

Based on the power generation planning study in the Central Electricity Authority report, the country anticipates wind power capacity will reach 155 GW within ten years, up from 55 GW in January this year.

The country plans to achieve a total power generation capacity of 1121 GW by 2026, including 315 GW from coal, 20 GW from natural gas, 22 GW from nuclear, 78 GW from large hydropower, 509 GW from solar, 155 GW from wind, 16 GW from biomass, and 6 GW from small hydropower.

Additionally, India aims to reach 174 GW/888 GWh of energy storage capacity over the next ten years.

The report states: “By 2035-36, non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity will reach approximately 786 GW, accounting for 70% of the total capacity, up from 52% as of January 2026.”

According to the policy document: “The capacity forecast for 2035-36 indicates that India is moving towards a strong transition to non-fossil energy sources. Renewable energy, especially solar PV, hydropower, and wind, will dominate future power generation with the support of energy storage systems.”

This report was released during a period of turbulence in oil and natural gas supply and markets. It states: “Through this initiative, the country will significantly increase its clean energy capacity and strengthen energy security.”

Despite the surge in renewable energy capacity, India still relies heavily on coal to meet most of its electricity demand, and authorities also aim to prevent power outages during severe heatwaves.

India’s coal power generation and capacity continue to grow, with coal remaining a key pillar of the country’s power structure, accounting for about 60% of total electricity generation.

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