India’s wind energy sector continued its steady expansion during the first half of 2026, reinforcing its importance in the country’s renewable energy transition. According to the latest installation data from MNRE, India’s cumulative installed wind power capacity reached 57,443.39 MW by the end of June 2026. During the first six months of the year, the country added 2,932.46 MW of new wind capacity, highlighting sustained investment and project execution across several key states. Wind energy now contributes 24.29% of India’s total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydro projects, making it the country’s second-largest renewable energy source after solar.
The latest figures show that India’s wind power sector remains concentrated in a handful of states with strong wind resources and supportive policy frameworks. Gujarat continues to lead the country with a cumulative installed wind capacity of 16,086.66 MW, accounting for nearly 28% of the national total. Tamil Nadu ranks second with 12,273.69 MW, contributing 21.4%, while Karnataka occupies the third position with 8,896.34 MW, representing 15.5% of the country’s wind capacity. Together, these three states account for almost 65% of India’s installed wind power capacity, reflecting their long-standing dominance in the sector.
The first half of 2026 also revealed changing regional trends in new capacity additions. Gujarat maintained its leadership by installing 1,265.72 MW between January and June, contributing 43.16% of all wind capacity added across the country during the period. The state’s continued dominance highlights its strong project pipeline, favourable policies, extensive coastal wind resources, and availability of suitable land for large-scale developments.
Maharashtra emerged as another major contributor during the first half of the year by adding 496.70 MW of new capacity, accounting for 16.94% of total additions. Karnataka followed closely with 482.70 MW, contributing 16.46%. These additions indicate growing investment activity beyond the traditionally dominant southern states and point toward increasing diversification in India’s wind energy market.
Tamil Nadu, despite retaining its position as the second-largest wind power state in terms of cumulative installations, recorded comparatively modest growth during the first six months of 2026. The state added only 198.35 MW, representing 6.76% of the total new installations during the period. This slower pace suggests that project development momentum is gradually shifting toward western states, particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra.
At the other end of the spectrum, several states continue to have relatively small wind power installations. Telangana’s cumulative capacity stood at 128.10 MW, while Kerala had installed 71.52 MW by the end of June 2026, indicating significant untapped potential in these regions.
Looking ahead, India’s continued wind energy growth will depend on strengthening transmission infrastructure, improving grid integration, and accelerating project execution in high-potential states. Repowering ageing wind turbines, particularly in mature markets such as Tamil Nadu, could also help unlock additional generation capacity while supporting the country’s long-term renewable energy and clean energy targets.
