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A new report from the global energy think tank Ember emphasizes the vital role of wind energy in meeting India’s rising non-solar hour electricity demand, highlighting its natural complementarity with solar power.
The report indicates that reaching the NEP14 target of 122 GW by FY 2032 is essential for advancing India’s energy transition and ensuring long-term energy security. In addition to the national target, significant demand will emerge at the state level to fulfill wind-specific renewable purchase obligations and diversify renewable energy (RE) resources. Resource adequacy plans published up to September 2024 reveal that 21 Indian states aim to contract over 100 GW of wind capacity by 2030, including states with limited wind potential, such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Bihar. This creates opportunities for wind-rich states to export surplus generation, further integrating wind energy into the national grid.
To meet this state-led demand for wind power, India needs to significantly increase its annual wind capacity deployments, requiring a 22% year-on-year rise until 2032 to achieve the 122 GW target. This expansion will help states address non-solar hour demand and reduce reliance on thermal power, thereby accelerating India’s transition to clean energy.
The report notes that if India had met its 2022 wind target of 60 GW, wind power could have satisfied up to 14.5% of non-solar hour demand, underscoring the sector’s potential to decrease dependence on thermal power. As energy demand continues to rise, it becomes increasingly critical for India to achieve its wind energy targets under NEP14 while capitalizing on momentum from state-level plans.
India’s solar capacity has surged in the past decade, with green power now meeting up to 19% of the country’s daytime electricity demand. However, during non-solar hours, 80% of energy demand is met by thermal power. Wind energy presents a strategic solution for ensuring a steady supply of green energy around the clock, as wind generation typically peaks during the night and early morning, helping balance the grid and ensure continuous green energy supply.
Ruchita Shah, an electricity policy analyst at Ember, stated, “Wind energy’s complementarity with solar is crucial to addressing India’s increasing clean energy needs during non-solar hours. By planning to contract over 100 GW capacity by 2030, Indian states will not only reduce dependence on thermal power but also drive economic growth through job creation and manufacturing opportunities. This approach allows India to build a robust, future-ready energy system that benefits both the environment and the economy.”
The report also highlights the extensive economic benefits of wind energy, projecting the sector to generate thousands of green jobs in capacity deployment, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance. India already possesses a strong manufacturing base with the capability to produce 17.5 GW of wind turbines annually, positioning the country as a significant player in the global renewable energy market. This potential could extend to exporting wind turbines and related components to countries like Australia, Brazil, Europe, and the United States.
As India prepares to showcase its renewable energy leadership at COP29, achieving these wind energy goals will not only demonstrate the country’s commitment to climate action but also reinforce its position as a critical player in global decarbonization and energy transition.
