Non-Fossil-Fuel-Based Power Generation Capacity to Hit 786 GW or 70% Mark by FY'36: Government Report

Non-Fossil-Fuel-Based Power Generation Capacity to Hit 786 GW or 70% Mark by FY'36: Government Report

The Hindu BusinessLine — Economy/Markets
The Hindu BusinessLine — Economy/MarketsMar 20, 2026

Why It Matters

The roadmap accelerates India’s decarbonisation, reshaping power markets and creating billions in clean‑energy infrastructure investment. It also positions the country to meet its 2070 net‑zero pledge while ensuring reliable electricity supply.

Key Takeaways

  • Target 786 GW non‑fossil capacity by FY’36 (70%).
  • Current non‑fossil share 52.5% of 524 GW installed.
  • Solar 509 GW, wind 155 GW dominate future mix.
  • Energy storage to reach 174 GW/888 GWh by 2035‑36.
  • ₹7.93 lakh crore transmission plan supports 900 GW evacuation.

Pulse Analysis

India’s ambition to secure 70 % of its power generation from non‑fossil sources by 2035‑36 reflects a decisive shift toward a low‑carbon economy. The plan’s scale—786 GW of renewable, nuclear, and hydro capacity—places the country among the world’s largest clean‑energy markets. By coupling this expansion with 174 GW of energy‑storage systems, the government aims to mitigate the intermittency of solar and wind, ensuring grid stability while driving down overall system costs.

Achieving the target will demand unprecedented investment in transmission infrastructure. The study outlines 137,500 circuit‑kilometres of new lines and 8,27,600 MVA of sub‑station capacity, at an estimated ₹7.93 lakh crore. These upgrades are essential to evacuate more than 900 GW of renewable output, a figure that exceeds the projected non‑fossil capacity and highlights the logistical challenges of integrating dispersed generation sites. Policymakers must also address land acquisition, regulatory clearances, and financing mechanisms to keep the rollout on schedule.

For the private sector, the roadmap unlocks vast opportunities across the value chain. Solar and wind developers stand to benefit from clear capacity targets, while battery manufacturers and pumped‑storage operators will see demand surge for grid‑scale storage solutions. The projected rise of nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 adds another layer of long‑term investment potential. Collectively, these developments are set to attract domestic and foreign capital, stimulate job creation, and propel India toward its 2070 net‑zero commitment, reshaping the global renewable energy landscape.

Non-fossil-fuel-based power generation capacity to hit 786 GW or 70% mark by FY'36: Government report

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