India Achieves Historic Power Capacity Boost, Adds 52.5 GW in FY26 So Far

India has achieved a historic milestone in the power sector by adding 52,537 megawatts (52.5 GW) of electricity generation capacity during the first 10 months of the financial year 2025-26. This marks the highest capacity addition ever recorded in a single year.

With this expansion, the country’s total installed power capacity has reached 520.6 GW as of January 2026, reflecting strong momentum in infrastructure growth.

Government officials stated that more than 75% of the newly added capacity came from renewable energy sources, highlighting India’s continued push toward cleaner and sustainable power generation. The remaining additions were contributed by thermal and nuclear energy sources.

The current achievement surpasses the previous record of 34,054 MW (34 GW) added during FY 2024-25. Officials noted that the overall installed capacity has grown by nearly 11% within just 10 months compared to the previous financial year.

According to official data, renewable energy contributed 39.7 GW to the total addition. Solar energy accounted for 35 GW, while wind power added 4.6 GW. Large hydro projects contributed 3.4 GW, thermal power added 8.8 GW, and nuclear energy contributed 700 MW during the ongoing financial year.

As of now, India’s fossil fuel-based installed capacity stands at 248.5 GW, while non-fossil fuel capacity has risen to 272 GW, reflecting a significant shift toward sustainable sources.

Several projects are currently under development. Around 158 GW of renewable energy projects (including solar, wind, and hybrid systems), 39.6 GW of thermal capacity, 13 GW of hydro-electric, and 6.6 GW of nuclear power projects are under construction.

In addition, contracts have already been awarded for 22.9 GW of coal and lignite-based projects, with another 24 GW in various stages of planning. Renewable projects totaling 48.8 GW, along with 4.3 GW of hydro-electric and 7 GW of nuclear projects, are also in the planning pipeline.

The latest figures reflect India’s accelerating transition toward renewable energy while maintaining capacity expansion to meet rising power demand.