India sees record clean energy surge as Odisha gets 1.5 lakh rooftop solar units
Puri: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said India recorded its highest-ever annual non-fossil energy addition at 31.25 GW in FY 2024–25. Solar power contributed 24.28 GW to this growth. Speaking at the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri, Odisha, he said India’s clean energy leadership is advancing rapidly at home and abroad.
The Minister noted that India’s solar capacity rose from 2.8 GW in 2013 to nearly 130 GW in 2024, marking a 4,500% jump. He added that between 2022 and 2024, India added 46 GW to global solar capacity, making it the world’s third-largest contributor during that period. Globally, renewable capacity reached 2 TW in 2024, doubling from 1 TW in just two years.
Although India holds the world’s fifth-largest coal reserves, Joshi said the country is balancing coal and clean energy. He stressed that shifting to renewables has become a strategic need in line with global industrial standards and climate goals.
Odisha to install 1.5 lakh rooftop solar units under ULA model
Joshi announced that Odisha will roll out a Utility-Led Aggregation model under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The plan includes installing 1.5 lakh rooftop solar units of 1 kW each. The initiative will benefit 7–8 lakh people, especially from economically weaker sections.
Odisha continues to expand its clean energy capacity. The state now has over 3.1 GW of installed renewable energy, which accounts for more than 34% of its total power mix. So far, 1.6 lakh households have applied for rooftop solar. Over 23,000 installations are complete, and the government has released ₹147 crore in subsidies to more than 19,200 families.
Joshi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, business-friendly reforms and strong Centre–State cooperation for India’s renewable energy rise. He also praised Odisha’s efforts under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The three-day GELS 2025 summit aims to bring policymakers, innovators and energy leaders together to speed up India’s clean energy goals.
