Over the past year, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, India has seen its electricity predominantly generated from fossil energy sources, with them accounting for more than 70% of the supply. Of this, coal is the primary contributor, making up over 70% of fossil energy consumption. Notably, low-carbon or clean energy sources constitute just over a quarter of the electricity generated, with hydropower, solar, and wind energy each contributing around 8%, 8%, and 5% respectively. Nuclear energy, with its potential for sustainable and consistent power, lags at around 3%. Gas and biofuels remain minor components of the electricity mix, contributing around 3% and 2% individually. The reliance on fossil fuels presents an opportunity and necessity for India to enhance its clean energy production to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in India?
Looking at the figures for individual energy consumption, India's latest numbers indicate a slight decline in total electricity consumption, from a historic record of 1351 kWh per person in 2024 to 1337 kWh per person in 2025. This negative trend, though small, is worrisome for a rapidly developing country where electricity demand is expected only to grow in the future. However, there is good news on the low-carbon front: India's low-carbon electricity generation per person rose from 322 kWh to 358 kWh over the same period, showcasing an increase of 35 kWh per person. This surge indicates that while overall electricity consumption has dipped marginally, the country is making strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
For India to boost its low-carbon electricity generation further, it can learn from global leaders in clean energy. Countries like France and Slovakia generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear sources, highlighting the role of nuclear energy as a stable and low-carbon electricity source. On the wind and solar energy front, Iowa and Denmark have managed to harness 60% and 49% of their electricity from wind respectively. There is a clear opportunity for India to capitalize on its abundant solar power potential as demonstrated by regions like Chile and Cyprus, which source over 20% of their electricity from solar. By leveraging improvements in solar technology and exploring nuclear energy's potential for consistency and scalability, India can significantly amplify its low-carbon energy footprint, driving towards a more sustainable future.
History
Historically, India's journey in low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuating growth, with hydropower being a notable player. In years like 1994 and 2005, hydropower production saw significant increases, contributing substantially to India's clean electricity supply. However, certain years, such as 2012 and 2023, marked concerning declines in hydropower output, indicating a need for more stability in clean energy production. The wind and solar sectors have seen promising expansions, particularly in recent years. Since 2016, wind and solar have consistently contributed to electricity generation, with significant gains in solar power by 2022 and continued growth through 2025. This indicates a positive trend, showing India’s commitment to expanding its clean energy sources, especially solar, which should be further bolstered alongside nuclear energy to ensure reliable green electricity generation in the coming decades.
