Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
India

India adds record 15GW of solar power capacity in first 6 months of 2024

Darpan News Desk IANS, 26 Aug, 2024 01:40 PM
  • India adds record 15GW of solar power capacity in first 6 months of 2024

New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) India's addition to solar power capacity jumped by 282 per cent to nearly 15 GW in the first half of 2024, which is the highest-ever half-yearly installation, according to a report by Mercom India Research.

In the second quarter of the calendar year 2024, the country commissioned 5 GW of solar capacity while in the first quarter (January-March) the new capacity that was added surged by as much as 9.9 GW, the report said.

As of June 2024, the country's installed solar capacity stood at 87.2 GW and accounted for 19.5 per cent of the total energy mix, the report said.

India's large-scale solar project pipeline stood at 146 GW, with projects totalling another 104 GW tendered and pending auctions as of June, it said.

Meanwhile, average large-scale project costs in the country declined by 2 per cent quarter on quarter and about 26 per cent year-on-year, the report said. Solar panel costs have been on a downtrend in recent years and the fall in costs is expected to continue.

Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka led the quarterly large-scale solar capacity additions while the top 10 states accounted for 94 per cent of total installations, the report added.

India has emerged as one of the world leaders in Energy Transition and fixed a target of adding 500 GW of renewable energy capacities by 2030, with solar expected to play a major role in achieving this goal.

As of June 30, 2024, the total grid-connected capacity of renewables stood at 148 GW. Of this, the solar power segment accounted for 85 GW, followed by wind power at 47 GW, and biomass at 1.4 GW. The small hydro segment accounted for 5 GW.

Installed solar capacity has increased by 32 times from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 85.5 GW now.

The technology and innovative market mechanisms have been instrumental in bringing overall costs down.

Solar is now the cheapest form of energy but is variable in nature, so India needs deployment of flexible generation sources for better integration of renewable energy, according to Vibhuti Garg, Director of South Asia, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

 

MORE India ARTICLES

Several former Congress leaders join BJP in Punjab

Several former Congress leaders join BJP in Punjab
"Impressed by the pro-people policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, the people of Punjab are regularly joining the BJP by leaving other parties. I feel honoured to be part of such a people-centric party and I welcome all these leaders of Patiala district who have joined the BJP today," Preneet Kaur told the media after welcoming new members to the BJP.

Several former Congress leaders join BJP in Punjab

ED raids residence of Punjab’s Excise Commissioner in guava orchard scam case

ED raids residence of Punjab’s Excise Commissioner in guava orchard scam case
A team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from Delhi on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of state’s Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Varun Roojam, here in connection with the guava orchard scam of over Rs 130 crore. Also, raids were conducted at the residence of Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman and his accountant in Patiala.

ED raids residence of Punjab’s Excise Commissioner in guava orchard scam case

Scare at Kolkata airport as collision between IndiGo, Air India Express aircraft narrowly averted

Scare at Kolkata airport as collision between IndiGo, Air India Express aircraft narrowly averted
According to reports, the IndiGo aircraft was awaiting clearance to enter the runway when it inadvertently brushed the wingtip of the Air India Express plane at around 10:30 a.m. The close call sparked immediate alarm, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Scare at Kolkata airport as collision between IndiGo, Air India Express aircraft narrowly averted

Punjab estimated to produce 161.30 lakh metric tons wheat

Punjab estimated to produce 161.30 lakh metric tons wheat
With wheat sown in 35.07 lakh hectares, Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma on Wednesday took stock of procurement arrangements of the foodgrain commencing from April 1. The state is estimated to produce 161.30 lakh metric tons of wheat.

Punjab estimated to produce 161.30 lakh metric tons wheat

Rahul Gandhi likely to file nomination in Wayanad on April 3

Rahul Gandhi likely to file nomination in Wayanad on April 3
Kerala goes to the polls on April 26, in the second of the seven-phase elections, to elect all its 20 Lok Sabha members. Rahul Gandhi, the sitting MP from Wayanad, is yet to arrive in his constituency.

Rahul Gandhi likely to file nomination in Wayanad on April 3

India lauds continuity of G20 focus on quality jobs, gender equality

India lauds continuity of G20 focus on quality jobs, gender equality
India on Wednesday commended the continuity in the G20 multi-year agenda for creating quality employment and gender equality in the workplace at the Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the Brazilian Presidency. India as a member of the G20 Troika, is co-chairing the two-day EWG meeting, along with Brazil and South Africa.

India lauds continuity of G20 focus on quality jobs, gender equality