India’s renewable energy sector saw a record-breaking addition of 24.5 GW and 3.4 GW through which of the following in 2024, as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy data?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Solar and Wind
Explanation:
· According to data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the year 2024 marked a historic high for India's green energy sector.
· Solar Energy: The sector saw a massive addition of 24.5 GW, driven by large-scale solar parks and the push for rooftop solar schemes (like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana).
· Wind Energy: The wind sector contributed 3.4 GW to the new capacity, showing a resurgence after years of stagnation.
· Together, these two sources accounted for the vast majority of the total renewable energy capacity added in the country during the fiscal/calendar year.
Information Booster:
· 500 GW Target: This acceleration is critical for India to meet its ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
· Global Standing: India currently ranks 4th globally in terms of total installed renewable energy capacity.
· PM Surya Ghar: The launch of the residential rooftop solar scheme in 2024 significantly boosted the solar numbers, moving the focus from just utility-scale to decentralized generation.
Additional Knowledge (Incorrect Options):
Hydro and Geothermal (Option b)
· Hydro: While large hydro is a major component of India's grid, annual additions are usually much lower (typically 500 MW to 1 GW per year) due to long gestation periods.
· Geothermal: India has no commercial geothermal power plants operational as of 2024/2025, though exploration is ongoing in Ladakh (Puga Valley).
Wind and Nuclear (Option c)
· Nuclear: Nuclear power capacity addition is slow and steady. It typically adds 700 MW per unit (e.g., Kakrapar), not double-digit Gigawatts in a single year.
Biomass and Tidal (Option d)
· Biomass: Adds small incremental capacity (a few hundred MWs annually).
· Tidal: Tidal energy remains in the experimental/R&D stage in India and is not yet commercially viable or adding GW-scale capacity.