Tamil Nadu, Gujarat gain traction for achieving highest wind energy capacity

Tamil Nadu was applauded for initiating wind turbine repowering, and Gujarat for achieving the largest increase in wind capacity through open access.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, recently organized a full-day event to commemorate Global Wind Day on June 15, joining the worldwide celebrations. The event, titled “Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India,” aimed to acknowledge the progress made so far and explore future strategies to enhance the adoption of wind energy in the country. Key discussions centred around offshore wind development, advancements in wind energy manufacturing, the current state of wind energy in India, and the importance of green financing for wind projects.

During the event, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to achieving a renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030 in his keynote address. He commended all the states with wind potential for their contributions to the growth of the wind energy sector.

The Secretary recognized the accomplishments of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu in the fiscal year 2022–2023. Tamil Nadu was applauded for initiating wind turbine repowering, Gujarat for achieving the largest increase in wind capacity through open access, and Rajasthan for the highest wind capacity addition.

Furthermore, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) launched the Wind Atlas, which calculates the nation’s onshore wind potential at 1,164 GW when measured at a height of 150 meters above ground level.

The event witnessed the active participation of government officials at both the central and state levels, wind turbine developers and manufacturers, domestic and international financial institutions, Central Public Sector Enterprises, academics, think tanks, and other key stakeholders.

Collaboration for the celebration was fostered between the National Institute of Wind Energy, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, Indian Wind Power Association, and Wind Independent Power Producers Association.

India has made remarkable strides in wind energy production, currently ranking fourth globally in terms of wind power capacity. To achieve its targets of having 50 percent of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, India must harness wind energy. Both onshore and offshore wind energy production hold immense potential in the country. With ongoing governmental efforts, India has established approximately 15 GW of indigenous wind manufacturing capacity, fostering self-reliance (AatmaNirbhar).