Why in the News?
India has added 52,537 MW of electricity generation capacity in the current financial year up to January 31, 2026. This is the highest ever annual capacity addition, taking total installed capacity to 5,20,510.95 MW.
Key Data
- Total capacity addition (FY 2025-26 till Jan 31): 52,537 MW
- Previous record: 34,054 MW in FY 2024-25
- Total installed capacity (Jan 31, 2026): 5,20,510.95 MW
- Growth over last FY: More than 11 percent increase
Breakup of Installed Capacity
- Renewable Energy:
- 2,63,189.33 MW
- Around 50.5 percent of total capacity
- Solar: 34,955 MW added this year
- Wind: 4,613 MW added
- Fossil Fuel Based:
- 2,48,541.62 MW
- Around 48 percent of total
- Nuclear Energy:
- 8,780 MW
- Around 1.6 percent
Important Concepts for Prelims
- Installed Capacity: Maximum electricity that can be generated under ideal conditions.
- Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass etc.
- Energy Mix: Composition of different energy sources in total generation capacity.
Significance
- India’s renewable share has crossed 50 percent of installed capacity.
- Indicates progress toward climate commitments and energy transition goals.
- Strengthens energy security and reduces fossil fuel dependence in long term.
| [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’:
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III |
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