Published: 15 February 2026Ministry of Power / PIB / Sau EnergyEnvironment
India Sets National Record: 52,537 MW of Power Capacity Added in 10 Months of FY26, 75% from Renewables
AQuick answer
India added a record 52,537 MW of power capacity in 10 months of FY26 (announced Feb 16, 2026) — 75% from renewables (solar 34,955 MW, wind 4,613 MW). Total installed capacity reached 5,20,511 MW; Rajasthan and Gujarat lead with ~44 GW each in renewable capacity.
On February 16, 2026, the Ministry of Power announced that India added a record 52,537 MW of power generation capacity in the first ten months of FY 2025–26 (April 2025 to January 2026) — the highest capacity addition ever recorded in a single financial year, surpassing the previous annual record of 34,054 MW set in FY 2024–25.
Of the total capacity added, 39,657 MW — approximately 75% — came from renewable energy sources, demonstrating the dominance of clean energy in India's power sector growth. Solar power accounted for the largest share at 34,955 MW, followed by wind energy at 4,613 MW. India's total installed power generation capacity stood at 5,20,510.95 MW as of January 31, 2026, with non-fossil fuel sources accounting for 2,71,969 MW (52.2% of total).
Leading states in renewable capacity are Gujarat (approximately 44 GW) and Rajasthan (approximately 44 GW), making them the dual engines of India's renewable energy transition. Rajasthan's solar-rich Thar Desert region and wind-rich areas near Jaisalmer and Barmer have driven the state's clean energy leadership. This milestone reinforces India's Panchamrit commitment at COP26 to achieve 500 GW non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse India's record power capacity addition in FY26 and its implications for the Panchamrit commitment.
Answer (50 words):
India added a record 52,537 MW in ten months of FY26, with 75 percent from renewables including 34,955 MW solar and 4,613 MW wind. Total installed capacity reached 5,20,511 MW with non-fossil sources at 52.2 percent. Rajasthan and Gujarat lead with approximately 44 GW each, reinforcing the 500 GW Panchamrit target.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceMinistry of Power / PIB / Sau Energy
Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
India set national record of 52,537 MW power capacity added in how many months?
Explanation · Correct answer DIndia added record 52,537 MW power capacity in 10 months.
Frequently asked questions
How much power capacity did India add in FY26 and what was its significance?
India added a record 52,537 MW of power capacity in the first 10 months of FY26 (April 2025 – January 2026), announced on February 16, 2026. This was India's highest-ever capacity addition in any 10-month period, taking total installed capacity to over 5,20,511 MW (520 GW).
What share of India's FY26 power capacity addition came from renewable sources?
75% of the 52,537 MW added in FY26's first 10 months came from renewable sources — solar energy contributed the largest share at 34,955 MW, followed by wind energy at 4,613 MW. The remaining 25% came from thermal and other conventional sources.
Which states lead in renewable energy capacity in India and how much do they have?
Rajasthan and Gujarat each lead with approximately 44 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. Both states benefit from abundant solar and wind resources. Rajasthan has emerged as a solar leader due to its vast Thar Desert, while Gujarat leads in offshore wind and solar parks.
What is India's 500 GW renewable energy target and what is the deadline?
India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel (renewable) power capacity by 2030. This target is part of India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The FY26 record addition brings India significantly closer to this goal.
How does India's renewable energy growth relate to the RPSC RAS syllabus?
India's energy transition is directly relevant to Paper III (Economy and Development) and Paper I (Geography and Environment) of the RPSC RAS exam. Topics include India's energy policy, climate commitments (Net Zero by 2070), solar and wind energy geography, and the role of Rajasthan in national energy planning.
