Ahmedabad: Gujarat has surged to the top position in India's renewable energy landscape, achieving a total installed capacity of 47,178 megawatts (MW) and overtaking Rajasthan by a narrow margin. This milestone is based on the latest data from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Gujarat's Renewable Energy Growth
The state added approximately 13,785 MW of new renewable capacity over the past year, propelling it from the second rank in 2024-25 to the numero uno spot as of March 31 this year. Rajasthan, which held the top position previously, now stands second with 47,020 MW. Solar and wind energy continue to be the backbone of Gujarat's energy mix, contributing significantly to its rapid expansion.
Composition of Renewable Energy Mix
According to MNRE data, Gujarat's renewable energy portfolio comprises 29,303 MW of solar power, 15,642 MW of wind power, 1,990 MW of large hydro, 113 MW of small hydro, and 130 MW of bio-power capacity. This diverse mix underscores the state's comprehensive approach to clean energy.
Official Statement and Future Targets
Shalini Agarwal, Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL), highlighted the significance of this achievement. "For the first time, Gujarat has secured the No. 1 position in total renewable energy capacity in the country," she said. India has set a national target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, while Gujarat has ambitiously set its own target of 100 GW by the same year. "By the end of FY26, Gujarat had already reached 47 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, and with the projects in the pipeline, we are confident of meeting that goal," Agarwal added.
She also noted that renewable energy has provided resilience against global shocks. "The conflict in the Middle East has had a serious impact on the energy sector worldwide, but Gujarat's renewable energy base has provided cushioning. We are now also giving strong attention to battery energy storage systems," she said.
Rajasthan's Solar Dominance
Despite Gujarat's overall lead, Rajasthan continues to dominate in solar power alone, with 41,012 MW of solar capacity — the highest in the country. This highlights the competitive dynamics between the two states in the renewable energy sector.
Gujarat's Leadership in Rooftop Solar
Gujarat has also retained its leadership in rooftop solar installations. Under rooftop programs, including the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the state has achieved a capacity of 6,881 MW, the highest in the nation. This reflects strong policy support and widespread adoption among residential and commercial users.
Industry Perspective
Industry representatives attribute Gujarat's rise to sustained investment and a robust support ecosystem. Kunj Shah, Chairman of the Energy Committee of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said, "The state has built momentum over the past five years, especially in solar energy. A robust support system — from manufacturing to skilled manpower — has enabled faster expansion." This ecosystem has been crucial in accelerating project implementation and attracting investments.
Conclusion
The latest data underscores Gujarat's growing role in India's clean energy transition as states race to scale up renewable capacity and meet ambitious 2030 targets. With its current trajectory and strong policy framework, Gujarat is well-positioned to achieve its 100 GW goal and continue leading the nation's renewable energy revolution.
