India adds 50 GW power capacity during April-Jan period: Report
During the current financial year 2025-26 (up to January 31), a record 52,537 MW of generation capacity (from all sources) was added, the report said
New Delhi: India's power generation capacity addition from all energy sources has crossed record the 50 GW-mark during April-January period in the ongoing fiscal year, according to an official statement. This marks the highest-ever capacity addition in a single year, surpassing the previous record of 34,054 MW achieved during 2024-25, the power ministry said in a statement.
During the current financial year 2025-26 (up to January 31), a record 52,537 MW of generation capacity (from all sources) was added, it said.
Of this, 39,657 MW has been added from renewable energy sources, which includes 34,955 MW of solar power, 4,613 MW of wind power.
Further, this also implies that during 2025-26 (upto 31.1.2026), there was an addition of more than 11% to the total installed capacity of the country.
As on January 31, 2026, India's total installed power generation capacity stands at 520,510.95 MW, comprising fossil fuel-based capacity of 248,541.62 MW; non-fossil fuel capacity of 271,969.33 MW; nuclear power of 8,780 MW, and renewable energy sources of 263,189.33 MW.
India’s power sector is experiencing rapid change as renewable energy deployment accelerates year after year. At the same time, rising electricity demand is increasingly being met by renewable generation, particularly during daytime hours when solar power is available. This further eases the replacement of coal power with renewables.
Renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, small hydro) makes up the largest share within the non-fossil category and has been growing rapidly. Installed capacity refers to the maximum electricity output that all power plants in the country can produce combined. Actual generation depends on demand, fuel availability, and plant utilization.
The challenge is not capacity adequacy but system flexibility. Most coal plants in India operate at minimum technical loads of around 55%, which forces them to run even during periods when low-cost renewable electricity is available. Long-term coal power purchase agreements continue to bind utilities to higher-cost thermal generation even whenlower-cost renewable electricity is available.
