India Surpasses Japan to Become World's Third-Largest Solar Power Producer

Strategic Insights -

India has emerged as the world's third-largest solar power producer, overtaking Japan in 2023, according to the Global Electricity Review 2024 by energy think tank Ember. The country's remarkable growth in solar energy has seen it leapfrog to the third position globally, generating approximately 113 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar electricity last year. This achievement marks a significant milestone for India's solar journey, which has seen a tremendous increase in power generation over the past decade. India's commitment to clean energy and its ambition to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement have been instrumental in driving this progress.

Key Takeaways:

  • India has surpassed Japan to become the world's third-largest solar power producer in 2023, generating approximately 113 TWh of solar electricity.
  • The country recorded a remarkable increase in solar output, up by 18 TWh, following China (156 TWh), the US (33 TWh), and Brazil (22 TWh).
  • Solar energy contributed 5.8% of total power generation in India in 2023, while globally it contributed 5.5% of total electricity production.
  • India's solar power generation increased more than 17 times from 2015 to 2023, while global solar output grew over sixfold in the same period.
  • Solar remained the fastest-growing electricity source globally for the 19th consecutive year, with capacity additions surpassing coal by more than two times.
  • As of mid-2025, India's installed solar capacity stands at 116 GW (gigawatts).
  • The country generated 144 TWh of solar energy between April 2024 and March 2025, a notable rise from 115.97 TWh the year before.
  • India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with over half of this expected to come from solar sources.

Statistics:

  • India generated approximately 113 TWh of solar electricity in 2023, surpassing Japan's 110 TWh.
  • Solar energy contributed 5.8% of total power generation in India in 2023, while globally it contributed 5.5% of total electricity production.
  • India's solar power generation increased by 18 TWh from 2022 to 2023, following China (156 TWh), the US (33 TWh), and Brazil (22 TWh).
  • India's solar energy capacity grew over 17 times from 2015 to 2023, while global solar output grew over sixfold in the same period.
  • As of mid-2025, India's installed solar capacity stands at 116 GW (gigawatts).
  • The country generated 144 TWh of solar energy between April 2024 and March 2025, a notable rise from 115.97 TWh the year before.

Sources:

  • Global Electricity Review 2024 by energy think tank Ember
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from KNN (Knowledge & News Network)