The winds of change are blowing strong in India’s energy sector. What was once a humble wind turbine spinning in a farmer’s field, holding a glimmer of hope, has now become a cornerstone of our nation’s electricity needs. In the relentless pursuit of environmental protection and energy security, wind power is emerging as a powerful ally, demonstrating unwavering progress regardless of changing policy headwinds. Indeed, “wind energy” is playing a pivotal role in India’s developmental saga.
India’s journey in the wind power sector has been nothing short of extraordinary. The numbers speak for themselves, charting a remarkable ascent from where we stood a decade ago to our current position. At a time when reliance on fossil fuels like coal and oil exacerbates climate change and global warming, clean, renewable wind energy stands as a true beacon of hope for our future.
A Decade of Triumph: From Then to Now
In 2014, India’s installed wind power capacity was a mere 23.35 gigawatts (GW). Over the past decade, this sector has weathered numerous challenges to achieve remarkable growth. As of March 31, 2025, India has surged to an installed wind power capacity of 50.04 GW, solidifying its position as the fourth largest wind power producer globally. This isn’t just a doubling of capacity; it’s a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to its renewable energy goals. To be ranked behind only China, the United States, and Germany in global wind power generation is a monumental achievement for India.
The growth in wind energy generation has been substantial. In the financial year 2014-15, the country produced approximately 28,214 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of wind electricity, which escalated to about 83,385 GWh by FY 2023-24. Furthermore, in FY 2024-25, India added a significant 4.15 GW of new wind power capacity, surpassing the 3.25 GW added in the previous year (FY 2023-24). States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are leading the charge in wind power generation within India.
Notably, India boasts an impressive annual capacity to manufacture around 18,000 MW of wind turbines, a proud reflection of the ‘Make in India’ spirit and our self-reliance. The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates immense offshore wind energy potential, with approximately 36 GW off the coast of Gujarat and 35 GW off the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Central Electricity Authority’s report projects that India’s wind power installed capacity could reach 99.9 GW by the end of 2029-30, a truly auspicious sign for our energy future. These figures unequivocally underscore wind energy’s increasing importance in the nation’s electricity grid.
While the initial perception of wind power was often linked to higher costs, technological advancements have significantly reduced the establishment costs of wind power projects. This makes wind energy, alongside solar power, a crucial driver of the “Green Energy” revolution.
Policy Support: Fueling Progress
This extraordinary progress is a direct result of sound policy decisions, strategic investments, and consistent planning. Incentives for wind power projects, simplified land acquisition processes, and expedited project approvals have all contributed to this growth. The shift from a ‘Feed-in Tariff’ to a ‘competitive bidding’ mechanism, in particular, has enhanced transparency and accelerated project implementation. Furthermore, exemptions from inter-state electricity transmission charges have provided greater flexibility to wind power producers.
How Wind Power Works: Harnessing Nature’s Force
Wind power is an eco-friendly process that converts wind into electricity, primarily utilizing large machines called wind turbines. When strong winds blow against the large, wing-like blades of these turbines, they begin to rotate. This rotation drives a connected generator, which then produces electricity. The generated electricity is initially stored in batteries, then its voltage is stepped up by large transformers, and finally supplied to the national electricity grid. Offshore wind turbines, located far from the coast in the sea, operate on the same principle. Constant and stronger winds at sea allow for even more efficient electricity generation. It’s a remarkable technological process that transforms kinetic energy from wind into electrical energy.
India’s Wind Power Story: A Historical Perspective
India’s wind power journey began decades ago, in December 1952, when prominent power engineer Maneklal Sankalchand Thacker, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), initiated a project to explore wind energy utilization. Since then, wind energy has evolved into a pivotal renewable energy source for our nation, with large wind farms hosting numerous turbines generating this vital power.
Wind Power: A True Asset
Wind power offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere electricity generation, significantly contributing to the nation’s economic and environmental progress. It is entirely environmentally friendly, producing no carbon emissions, thus mitigating the greenhouse effect and air pollution. It is a green solution that promises cleaner air and a healthier future. In remote areas lacking proper grid connectivity, wind energy can be used to charge batteries, meeting the electricity needs of local communities—a sustainable approach to rural electrification.
Economically, wind power presents significant advantages. Compared to traditional power projects, the cost of establishing and maintaining wind power plants is considerably lower. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the cost of wind energy production in India is 40% lower than other conventional sources. This acts as a permanent shield against rising electricity prices. Moreover, the development of the wind power sector creates new job opportunities across the country, fostering economic growth in areas like plant installation, maintenance, research, and manufacturing.
Finally, India possesses immense potential for harnessing wind energy. Recent estimates indicate a gross wind power potential of 302 GW at 100 meters above ground level and 695.5 GW at 120 meters. Tapping into this vast potential can not only meet our electricity demands but also elevate us to the status of an electricity exporter.
Challenges: Obstacles to the Wind’s Sail
Despite its advancements, the wind power sector faces several key challenges that must be overcome to fully realize its potential.
1. Land acquisition complexities remain a major hurdle. Large wind turbines require significant space; rotors with a diameter exceeding 150 meters need 7-8 acres. Delays in converting agricultural land for wind power projects impede large-scale initiatives. Streamlining this process is crucial.
2. Inadequate grid and infrastructure pose another significant challenge. In high wind potential regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, the lack of proper transmission systems makes it difficult to transfer electricity to demand centers, leading to increased costs and wasted power.
3. Policy instability creates uncertainty for the sector. The withdrawal of past government incentives (like Accelerated Depreciation and Generation-Based Incentives) has deterred investors. Moreover, inconsistencies in policies across states (tariffs, power purchase agreements, approvals) hinder uniform development. The high upfront costs of projects also pose funding challenges for smaller developers.
4. Supply chain challenges persist. While India has strong manufacturing capabilities for towers and gearboxes (5,200 MW and 8,000 MW respectively), the availability of wind turbine blades remains an issue, largely relying on imports, particularly from China. This raises concerns about supply stability and cybersecurity.
5. E-waste management is emerging as a new environmental concern. Disposing of old turbine components like control systems, inverters, and batteries is challenging, as they contain hazardous chemicals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. Recycling composite material blades is particularly complex, posing an environmental challenge.
Limitations: Constraints on Wind Power
While wind power offers numerous advantages, it also has inherent limitations that require recognition and solutions.
1. Wind availability is not always consistent. Wind turbines operate efficiently only where strong, steady winds blow. Wind speeds fluctuate, and electricity generation ceases when there is no wind.
2. There’s a risk of high wind damage. Wind towers and turbine blades can be damaged by strong winds and lightning strikes. Repairing these elevated components is a challenging task.
3. Voltage fluctuations can occur. Electricity generated from wind power sometimes experiences fluctuations in voltage and power factor, leading to difficulties in grid integration.
5. Noise pollution is a concern. The sound produced by rotating wind turbine blades can be annoying to nearby residents. More advanced technological solutions are needed to mitigate this.
How to Strengthen Wind Power Generation?
To overcome the aforementioned challenges and strengthen the wind power sector, several crucial steps must be taken. These will propel India further in its renewable energy journey.
1. Robust policies are essential. Streamlining land acquisition processes and expediting approvals are critical. Implementing a uniform national wind policy across the country is paramount. “Repowering” old wind farms with higher capacity turbines can significantly boost output.
3. Establish land banks. To reduce project delays and boost investor confidence, land should be acquired in advance and made available free of disputes.
3. Enhance offshore wind power capacity. Collaborating with countries leading in offshore wind technology, such as Denmark and the United Kingdom, can accelerate the establishment of offshore turbines. “Hybrid projects” that combine wind and wave energy can optimize electricity generation and enhance reliability.
4. Promote hybrid wind-solar projects. Utilizing a hybrid approach that combines wind and solar power allows for efficient land use and more stable electricity generation.
5. Foster financial innovation. Encourage fundraising through “green bonds.” Monetize the emission reductions from wind power through “carbon credit” mechanisms to attract investments.
6. Strengthen domestic manufacturing. Introduce a “Production-Linked Incentive Scheme” for wind energy equipment manufacturing. This will encourage local production of components like blades, towers, and gearboxes. Additionally, invest in skill development programs for workers in offshore wind power operations and maintenance roles. To achieve net-zero emission targets by 2070, India must increase its offshore wind power capacity, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and promote hybrid projects.
7. Focus on new technologies. Explore “floating wind turbines” to harness wind energy in deeper waters. Promote “green hydrogen” integration by utilizing surplus wind power for hydrogen electrolysis.
These will play a crucial role in meeting future energy demands.
The growth of the wind power sector is not merely about increasing numbers; it’s a revolution aimed at addressing climate change challenges, achieving energy security, and enhancing self-sufficiency. For a sustainable, eco-friendly future, wind turbines will continue to spin, breathing new life into the nation’s progress. Let us recognize the importance of wind energy and take further steps towards its wider utilization.
