Bengaluru: Karnataka has the fifth-highest renewable energy potential among Indian states, according to new govt data, and is also among the country’s leading states in terms of installed renewable energy capacity.The latest ‘Energy Statistics India 2026’ report shows that Karnataka has an estimated renewable energy potential of more than 4 lakh MW, accounting for 8.6% of India’s total. Only Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh rank higher. Together with Madhya Pradesh, these six states hold more than 70% of the country’s renewable energy potential, making them central to India’s clean energy ambitions.The report points to a broader national trend. India’s estimated renewable energy potential has reached 47 lakh MW, with solar accounting for more than 71% of that capacity. Wind contributes nearly a quarter, while hydro, biomass, and bagasse make up the rest.Karnataka’s strengths lie in both wind and solar. The state has an estimated wind potential of nearly 1.7 lakh MW, third highest in the country after Rajasthan and Maharashtra, while its solar potential stands at more than 2.2 lakh MW. These two resources together account for nearly all of Karnataka’s renewable potential.Infra expansionThe state’s existing renewable infrastructure also continues to expand. As of March 31, 2025, Karnataka had an installed grid-connected renewable energy capacity of 20,228 MW, up from 17,753 MW a year earlier, registering growth of nearly 14%. Solar power accounted for the largest share at 9,680 MW, followed by wind at 7,351 MW.Even so, Karnataka trails Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, which all have higher installed renewable capacity, with Rajasthan widening its lead at 33,725 MW. Karnataka itself has now moved ahead of Maharashtra, whose installed renewable capacity stood at 19,354 MW as of March 2025, reflecting intense competition among states to add renewable generation.Beyond renewables, Karnataka also leads in conventional hydropower. The report notes that while the northern region has the highest overall hydropower capacity, Karnataka has the highest installed hydropower capacity among individual states at 3.6 GW.Renewable electricityNationally, renewable electricity is expanding much faster than conventional thermal power. Installed renewable energy capacity rose by nearly 15% during 2024-25, while thermal capacity grew by just 1.5%, signalling a gradual shift in India’s electricity mix.Grid-connected renewable capacity across the country increased by 20% in a single year, from more than 1.4 lakh MW to over 1.7 lakh MW. Solar alone now accounts for more than 61% of installed renewable capacity, with wind contributing 29%.Dominance of coalDespite the rapid expansion of renewables, coal continues to dominate India’s broader energy system. It still accounts for nearly 79% of the country’s domestic energy supply, illustrating the scale of the challenge as India works towards cleaner energy while meeting rising demand.QUOTEGaurav Gupta | additional chief secretary, energy departmentThe potential for renewable energy is estimated using factors such as geographical area, solar radiation, and wind speeds. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu rank higher because of all the favourable conditions. Karnataka has substantial solar and wind potential and has consistently increased its installed renewable energy capacity. In the past two years, Karnataka has added the highest wind power capacity among all states, an achievement recognised by the ministry of new and renewable energy. Land availability is a key factor to add renewable capacity — states having large stretches of barren, uncultivated, and sparsely populated land have been aggressive in adding capacityGFX 1Top 5 states by actual installed renewable capacity1: Rajasthan2023-24 (MW): 26,6932024-25 (MW): 33,725Growth (%): 26.4%2: Gujarat25,47231,40323.3%3: Tamil Nadu19,98323,06315.4%4: Karnataka17,75320,22813.9%5: Maharashtra14,48319,35433.6%India (overall)1,43,6451,72,36820%GFX 2Top 5 states by highest renewable energy potential (as of March 31, 2025)1: Rajasthan: 11,14,794 MW | Share: 23.7%2: Maharashtra: 6,71,024 MW | Share: 14.3%3: Gujarat: 4,27,954 MW | Share: 9.1%4: Andhra Pradesh: 4,27,933 MW | Share: 9.1%5: Karnataka: 4,04,227 MW | Share: 8.6%India (overall): 47,04,043 MW potential— Source: Energy Statistics India 2026
