Is Wind Energy Central to India's Green Energy Strategy?

Bengaluru, June 15 (NationPress) On Global Wind Day 2025, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi emphasized that wind energy is pivotal to India's renewable energy strategy.

During an official event marking this significant day, Joshi stated: "Our national objectives are both ambitious and clear, aiming for 50% of our power capacity to come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Wind energy is essential for realizing these targets. It is not merely an element of our renewable strategy; it lies at the very heart of it, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat."

He further elaborated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a future where renewable energy fuels manufacturing, while conventional energy serves household needs."

Joshi noted that as India's manufacturing capacity expands, the emphasis on renewable energy production, storage, and utilization becomes increasingly critical. He expressed that as India aspires to become a global manufacturing hub, fulfilling the energy demands of this sector through renewable sources is key.

India has tremendous potential in the renewable energy sector, boasting the fourth-largest wind power installed capacity globally and ranking as the third-largest producer of renewable energy.

"It was once thought impossible for India to emerge as the third-largest renewable energy manufacturer within a decade, yet here we are today," Joshi remarked.

He highlighted three major challenges facing the wind energy sector: "First, we need to integrate wind energy with solar and storage (BESS) for reliable power and grid stability. Second, tariffs must be competitive—current rates of Rs 3.90 per unit are too high, and we must collaborate to lower costs. Lastly, domestic manufacturing must enhance efficiency, not only to achieve our targets but also to increase exports."

Joshi affirmed the government's commitment to advancing the renewable energy sector, revealing that this year's budget for renewable energy has surged by 53% to Rs 26,549 crore, with a significant allocation earmarked for wind energy.

"The transition to renewable energy is unavoidable. States must take the lead in this transformation. Challenges such as land availability and transmission delays must be addressed. Now is the time for decisive action, not hesitation," he added.

He took pride in the fact that India is currently manufacturing wind turbines ranging from 225 kW to 5.2 MW, with 33 models produced by 14 companies, meeting domestic needs while being globally competitive.

To fully harness India's wind energy potential, a coordinated national effort is essential, focusing on five key priorities. These include expanding into new states like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, introducing the offshore wind sector with 4 GW of leasing areas identified in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, and preparing tenders.

Additionally, the government is integrating wind energy into comprehensive power strategies, utilizing storage-linked business models, modernizing the grid, and investing in AI-based forecasting to manage variable renewable energy efficiently. Steps are also being taken to enhance local manufacturing across the entire wind energy value chain.

During the event, the Union Minister released reports outlining the ‘Wind Energy Roadmap’ and ‘Manufacturing Roadmap’, which will serve as guiding frameworks for the future, reflecting our collective ambition, strategic planning, and commitment to establishing a robust and Atma Nirbhar wind energy ecosystem in India. The top-performing states in wind capacity addition were recognized, with Karnataka leading at 1331.48 MW, followed by Tamil Nadu (1136.37 MW), and Gujarat (954.76 MW).

Also present at the event were Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik and Karnataka Energy Minister K.G. George.