Indian Wind Energy
In the early 1980’s, the Department of Non-conventional Energy Sources (DNES) came into existence with the
aim of reducing the dependence of primary energy sources like coal, oil etc. in view of the Country’s energy
security. The DNES became Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES) in the year 1992 and now from
2006, the Ministry was renamed as Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). The growth of Renewable
Energy in India is enormous, and Wind Energy proves to be the most effective solution to the problem of
depleting fossil fuels, importing of coal, greenhouse gas emission, environmental pollution etc. Wind energy as a
renewable, non-polluting, and affordable source directly avoids dependency on fuel and transport, can lead to
green and clean electricity.
With an installed capacity of 42,633 MW (March 2023) of Wind Energy, Renewable Energy Sources (excluding
large Hydro) currently accounts for 30.08% (125,160 MW) of India’s overall installed power capacity of 416,059
MW (31.03.2023). Wind Energy holds the major portion of 34.06% of total RE capacity among renewable and
continued as the major supplier of clean energy.
The Government of India has fixed a target of 500 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030 out of which 140 GW will
be from Wind. The Wind Potential in India was first estimated by National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) at
50m hub-height i.e., 49 GW but according to the survey at 80m hub height, the potential grows as much as 102
GW and 302GW at 100 Meter hub height. Further a new study by NIWE at 120m height has estimated a
potential 695GW. One of the major advantages of wind energy is its inherent strength to support rural
employment and uplift the rural economy. Further, unlike all other sources of power, wind energy does not
consume any water- which in itself will become a scarce commodity. Overall, the future of Wind Energy in India
is bright as energy security and self-sufficiency is identified as the major driver. The biggest advantage with wind
energy is that the fuel is free, and also it doesn’t produce CO2 emission. Wind farms can be built reasonably fast,
the wind farm land can be used for farming as well thus serving dual purpose, and it is cost-effective as
compared to other forms of renewable energy. (Numerical Data Source: CEA, NIWE, MNRE)
State wise Month-wise Wind Installation 2022-23
Wind Energy Investment – Destination India
The manufacturing industry (IWTMA) is equipped with proven technology from Europe and USA with turbine
size ranging from 250 KW to 2.5 MW of various technologies of stall, pitch, direct drive turbines with hub heights
up to 120 meters and rotor size above 100 meters. The modern turbines are designed to harness even in low
and medium wind regimes. Twenty manufacturers have over 50 models and with a manufacturing capacity of
over 9500 MW per annum.
With the time tested legal and fiscal system and India as a growing fast track economy is considered as a favored
destination for industrial activity. This is proved by the fact that out of the 24 GW of wind power almost 95% are
from the private sector.
The entire wind energy industry is governed by solid foundations from the Electricity Act, viable regulatory
procedures from CERC and other state regulatory policies.
The paradigm shift from retail market to the IPP market with major investors like Goldman Sachs, Black Stone,
IDFC and others is proven demonstration of the interest of the private sector.
Capital cost in India is perhaps one of the lowest in the world and India is emerging as the fastest growing supply
chain hub with many industries choosing for in-house manufacture of towers, blades, generators, convertors
etc. The commercial arm of MNRE, IREDA and other financial and banking institutions has backed the industry as
a stable market where there is assured off take and no marketing challenges. The Government of India has
announced a laudable Renewable Energy target of 175GW by 2022 out of which 60GW will be coming from wind
power. This will require an addition of more than 5GW per annum. The country would require over 7000 MW
per annum of RE to achieve 15% by all renewable by year 2020 under the National Action Plan for Climate
Change. The Government commitment to promotional tariff, incentivizing generation, plans to revitalize the REC
market through RPO obligation will certainly make this market vibrant and self-sustaining.
