India to add 56,477 MW solar and wind capacity

India has been proposed a target of 39,820 MW solar and wind power capacity addition by the end of FY 2016-17.

This will bring India's cumulative wind and solar capacity up to 56,477 MW.

As of now, the existing solar and wind capacity in the six RE rich states -- Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra -- equals 16,627 MW, with the share of the latter pegged at 15,705 MW.

While the wind capacity is likely to increase by approximately 30,000 MW, the solar capacity is expected to increase manifold from 922 MW to more than 10,000 MW.

The highest capacity addition target among the state is Maharashtra at 9,921 MW. Tamil Nadu comes a close second, with an estimated 9,000 MW to be added till March 2017.