Why in the news?

  • Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced on Thursday that India is projected to add 6 gigawatts (GW) of new wind energy capacity by the end of the 2025–26 financial year.

Wind Energy in India

  • India’s Wind Energy Potential:
    • India has a wind energy potential of approximately 695.51 GW at 120 meters above ground level, according to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
    • Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are the top states for installed wind energy capacity.
  • Installed Capacity:
    • As of 2023, India ranks 4th globally for wind energy capacity, with an installed capacity of about 42,000 MW.
    • Tamil Nadu is the leading state in India, with 10,603.5 MW installed capacity, contributing to nearly 25% of India’s total wind power.
  • Wind Energy Contribution:
    • Wind energy contributes around 9% to India’s total electricity generation, with the potential for significant growth.
  • Challenges to Growth:
    • Land Availability: Wind projects require large tracts of land, and competition with agriculture and urbanization makes this challenging.
    • Grid Infrastructure: Improving transmission and grid integration to handle renewable power is crucial.
    • Financial Viability: Ensuring that wind energy projects are financially sustainable, especially with fluctuating energy prices and grid integration issues.
  • Repowering Initiatives:
    • The Repowering and Refurbishment Policy focuses on replacing old, small capacity turbines with newer, larger ones to improve energy generation.
    • Tamil Nadu, in particular, has significant potential for repowering, which could enhance its contribution to the country’s renewable energy supply.
  • Technological Advancements:
    • Modern Turbines: The wind turbine sector has evolved, with turbines now ranging from 2 MW to 2.5 MW in capacity, improving efficiency and power generation.
    • The shift to higher-capacity turbines is a key factor in enhancing the overall capacity of wind farms in India.
  • Private Sector Involvement:
    • Private companies have been actively investing in wind power generation. However, they emphasize the need for better policies and financial incentives for continued growth.
  • Environmental and Social Benefits:
    • Wind energy is a clean, renewable resource, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to India’s climate goals.
    • Wind projects also offer opportunities for rural development and job creation, although they face opposition from communities due to land disputes.