As of 2025, the landscape of electricity consumption in India is primarily dominated by fossil energies, with over 72% of the electricity being produced from such sources. Coal, in particular, is the predominant player, making up nearly 69% of the total electricity generation mix. In contrast, low-carbon electricity sources contribute close to 28% of the nation's electricity, highlighting a significant scope for transformation towards greener energy. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower and solar energy both contribute to just under a third of this clean energy segment, while wind energy accounts for roughly a quarter. Nuclear energy, though modest, contributes about 3%, signaling a potential area for growth in the nation’s low-carbon journey.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in India?
India's electricity consumption is experiencing incremental growth, with the latest figure reaching 1355 kWh per person in 2025, slightly surpassing the previous year's record of 1351 kWh per person. This growth, although modest by only 4 kWh per person, is accompanied by a positive leap in low-carbon electricity generation. The latest data shows that each person in India now receives 376 kWh from low-carbon sources, a substantial increase of 54 kWh compared to 2024. This progression indicates a promising shift towards integrating more sustainable practices in electricity generation, despite the overall electricity consumption growth being relatively stagnant. However, the pace of this shift needs to accelerate to address future electricity needs and combat climate change.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, India can take valuable lessons from regions excelling in these domaines. Regions like California and Lebanon have effectively harnessed solar power, generating more than 30% of their electricity through solar, setting a benchmark for solar development. Furthermore, countries such as France and Slovakia showcase the significant potential of nuclear energy, covering more than half of their electricity needs through this clean energy source. By emulating these regions, India can strategically invest in expanding its solar and nuclear capacities. Emphasizing such investments will not only pave the way for sustainable energy independence but also contribute substantially to reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
History
In the history of low-carbon electricity in India, over the past decade, significant expansions have been noted, especially in solar and wind energy. In the early and mid-2010s, notable increments were observed in hydroelectricity and biofuel-based electricity. However, the prominence of solar energy began to shine post-2018, with substantial increases recorded in 2022, 2024, and 2025. The wind energy sector also experienced notable growth in 2016 and more recently in 2023 and 2025. These trends underline India’s burgeoning commitments to diversifying its low-carbon electricity portfolio. Nevertheless, maintaining the momentum in expanding solar and nuclear capacities appears to be the most robust path forward, reflecting a strengthened desire to lower dependency on fossil fuels while embracing cleaner, greener technologies.
