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India added a record amount of solar energy capacity last year, more than doubling total installations from the previous year. Wind power capacity also accelerated, helping the world’s fourth largest economy produce one of its biggest years ever for renewable energy, JMK Research, an Indian energy consultancy reported.

India is dependent on fossil fuels for about three quarters of its power generation and is particularly reliant on coal. But the country has emerged as one of the most aggressive deployers of renewable energy, especially solar, in recent years.

After big leaps in solar installations in 2021 and 2022, there was a significant dip in 2023, raising questions about the country’s ability to continue growing its renewable energy base. But installations surged last year, according to JMK.

Solar power, which barely existed in the country a decade ago, constituted almost half the country’s 209 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity at the end of last year, JMK said.

Large-scale solar installations grew by 18.5 GW, nearly tripling the growth from the previous year.

Meanwhile, rooftop solar installations, which have lagged behind the country’s targets in the past, grew 53%, contributing 4.59 GW of additional capacity. This acceleration was fueled by a government initiative launched in the first half of last year.

Wind power also gained momentum, growing 21% compared to 2023.

The country has set a goal of installing 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, as part of its plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.