New Delhi
In 2023, India surpassed Japan to claim the title of the world’s third-largest solar power producer, as reported by global energy think tank Ember. The Global Electricity Review 2024, released on Wednesday, offers insights into the global power landscape based on country-level data. India’s rise in solar generation propelled it from ninth place in 2015 to its current position.
Solar energy accounted for a record 5.5% of global electricity production in 2023, with India contributing 5.8% of its electricity from solar sources. The country witnessed the world’s fourth-largest increase in solar generation in 2023, following China, the United States, and Brazil. Together, these nations accounted for 75% of the global solar growth.
Ember’s Asia Programme Director, Aditya Lolla, emphasized the rapid growth of solar power, highlighting its critical role in decarbonizing the energy sector. Solar generation globally has increased more than sixfold since 2015, with India experiencing a 17-fold increase during the same period.
According to projections, solar energy is poised to play a central role in the future energy landscape, with India among the countries aiming to triple its renewable capacity by 2030. However, Ember’s analysis suggests that significant increases in annual capacity additions are necessary for India to achieve this target. This transition to cleaner electricity is not only crucial for reducing carbon emissions but also for meeting rising energy demands and combating climate change.
