India Surpasses 300 GW Renewable Capacity Amid AI Demand

India has surpassed 300 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, reaching 308 GW, according to the Central Electricity Authority of India. The country is working toward a target of 500 GW by 2030 and approximately 800 GW by 2035-36. Current projections suggest that 475 GW is already visible through completed projects, those under implementation, and private industrial demand.

Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, stated that data-center capacity is projected to grow from under 2 GW to between 24 and 26 GW. He noted that this growth is already factored into resource planning to prevent consumer shortages. Prasad also emphasized the need for smart meter adoption to improve visibility of consumption and generation, particularly for rooftop solar installations.

Suzlon Energy leadership reports that India has achieved 65% to 70% local manufacturing in wind energy, with Suzlon maintaining an 85% local supply chain for a decade. While wind energy is largely independent of foreign imports, the country continues to pursue backward integration for solar energy and battery storage.

Overall electricity demand is expected to increase fivefold by 2050, driven by electrification and AI adoption. However, transmission infrastructure remains a primary obstacle, as its four-to-six-year build cycle lags behind the two-year cycle required for renewable energy projects.