India poised to be a global wind energy exporter by 2022: IWTMA

According to Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA), Buoyed by strong government policies and concerted industry efforts, India is poised to become a global wind energy exporter by 2022, ahead of China, creating over 2 million jobs.

The Financial Year 2016-17 (FY17) saw wind power capacity addition of over 5,000 MW, which was highest ever in India during a single year and exceeded the target by 38 per cent. According to industry estimates, achievement of revised targets would require investments in the range of ` 3 lac crore. The government has already awarded 7,500 MW and another 11,500 MW is in the pipeline. Further 10,000 MW each will be rolled out in FY19 and FY20.

Speaking on the occasion of Global Wind Day celebrations organised by IWTMA, Anand Kumar IAS, Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) said, “India would endeavor to set the RE capacity of around 227 GW as against the target of 175 GW by 2022. Further, the government has also set a target of 5 GW by 2025 and 30 GW offshore by 2030. With over 34 GW installations, the Indian wind sector has demonstrated significant progress on enabling India’s COP21 commitment. We are confident, with the emerging areas of wind-solar hybrid, offshore, combined with revised onshore wind energy target, India is transitioning to lead the way in wind energy. ”

Tulsi Tanti, Chairman IWTMA said, “The wind industry is committed to deliver on Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India and achieve 40 per cent of total installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. We will strive to achieve the expanded government target of 80GW wind by 2022. Wind sector currently provides employment to more than 2 million people and has the potential to create 5 million job opportunities in next two decades. We believe with the right policy framework and ecosystem, India has the potential to develop export economy in wind of more than 5 GW by 2022. India is poised to become the global manufacturing hub for wind energy.”