Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-26 report: 159% rise in installed capacity for renewable energy in state in a decade

Mumbai: Maharashtra recorded a sharp 159% spike in renewable energy capacity over the past decade, with installed capacity increasing from 6,978MW in 2015-16 to 18,046MW in 2025-26, according to the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-26. The report said renewables accounted for 34.4% of the state's total installed power capacity in 2024-25, underlining a steady shift in the energy mix even as conventional sources continued to play a major role.With this expansion, Maharashtra ranks third in the country in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, behind Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The survey noted that, to substantially raise the share of renewables by 2030, Maharashtra will need to increasingly deploy clean energy as an alternative to conventional electricity generation. Renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass, biogas, tidal waves, and geothermal were highlighted as eco-friendly options that can support long-term energy security while reducing environmental impact.The report also provided a snapshot of the state's overall generation capacity. Maharashtra's total installed capacity from conventional and non-conventional sources stands at 43,602MW. Thermal power remains the single largest contributor, accounting for about 45% of the installed capacity. Thermal installed capacity is pegged at 19,676MW, reflecting the continued dependence on coal-based generation for baseload supply.At the same time, the combined installed capacity of solar and wind reached 18,046MW, nearly matching thermal capacity and signalling the scale at which renewables are now being integrated into the grid, an official said. "Hydropower contributes 3,061 MW, while natural gas-based capacity stands at 2,819MW, indicating a diversified portfolio that includes both flexible and firm generation sources," he added.The survey said the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency remains the nodal agency responsible for the promotion, propagation, and development of renewable energy in the state, playing a key role in driving adoption and facilitating projects across technologies.