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India’s wind power sector has achieved significant milestones, with installed capacity recently surpassing 46 GW, constituting approximately 7.63% of the country’s total installed power capacity, which stands at 442.85 GW as of April 2024. This growth underscores the increasing importance of renewable energy sources in India’s energy mix, particularly wind and solar, which together account for over 88% of the country’s renewable energy capacity. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu alone account for more than 48.5% of the market share, demonstrating their pivotal role in advancing wind energy adoption.
Among Indian states, Gujarat emerges as a leader in wind power, boasting more than 25.5% of the national market share with installations totaling around 11.78 GW. This demonstrates Gujarat’s strong commitment to renewable energy adoption. Tamil Nadu follows closely behind, contributing significantly to the wind power landscape with installations totaling approximately 10.62 GW.
In total, nine states in India have notable wind power installations. The top five states—Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan—collectively represent 85% of the country’s wind power capacity, amounting to about 39 GW.
The wind power sector has faced challenges in meeting ambitious targets set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), notably the goal of achieving 60 GW of installed wind power capacity by 2022 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). Various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, policy uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions, have hindered progress towards these targets. The government has also set a target to achieve 140 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030.
Despite setbacks, wind and solar energy remain top priorities for the Indian government. These renewable sources collectively dominate the country’s renewable energy landscape, emphasizing a shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation.
To advance India’s wind power sector, it is essential to focus on policy stability, infrastructure development, technology innovation, public awareness, and collaborative initiatives. Stable and predictable policies will attract investment while enhancing grid infrastructure supports integration. Embracing advanced technologies like offshore wind and efficient turbine designs can boost competitiveness. Public awareness and participation foster acceptance, and collaborative efforts drive innovation and capacity building. By prioritizing these aspects, India can accelerate the growth and sustainability of its wind power sector, contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals and ensuring a cleaner, greener future.
