India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil-based electric installed capacity by 2030, including 100 GW from wind energy.
- While scaling is essential, the bigger challenges lie in cybersecurity, localisation, and innovation in the wind sector.
About Wind Energy
- Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated by converting the kinetic energy of moving air (wind) into electrical energy using devices called wind turbines.
- As the wind turns the blades of the turbine, it spins a generator to produce electricity.
- Types of Wind Energy:
- Onshore Wind Energy: Turbines installed on land
- Offshore Wind Energy: Turbines installed in sea or ocean waters, usually more efficient due to stronger, steadier winds
Current Status of Wind Energy in India
- Installed Wind power capacity: 50.04 GW (as per Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, 2025 April Data)
- Share in India’s Energy Mix: Wind power accounts for around 10% of India’s total installed utility power generation capacity.
- India’s Rank (Global): 4th largest in installed wind capacity, behind China, the United States, and Germany.
- State-wise Wind Capacity Additions: India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the way.
- These states accounted for 98% of the new wind capacity additions.
- COP-26 (Glasgow, 2021)- Panchamrit Commitment: India committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-based electric capacity by 2030
- Over 100 GW of this is targeted from wind energy (onshore + offshore).
Advantages of Wind Energy
- Clean and Renewable: Reduces carbon emissions, helping achieve India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
- High Potential: India has an estimated wind power potential of over 300 GW (at 100m hub height).
- Rural Development: Wind farms create jobs, boost local economies, and use non-arable land.
Challenges in the Wind Sector
- Land and Transmission Issues: Difficulties in acquiring contiguous land and lack of transmission infrastructure in high-wind zones.
- Grid Integration: Variability in wind patterns creates challenges for grid stability and energy forecasting.
- Aging Infrastructure and Low-Capacity Turbines: Example: In Tamil Nadu, a major wind hub, many turbines, some over 30 years old, are still in operation and nearing end-of-life.
- Of around 20,000 turbines in the state, nearly 10,000 are small, under 1 MW capacity, significantly lowering productivity
- Cybersecurity Risks: SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)systems and remote-control features of wind farms are vulnerable to hacking.
- Foreign Control Risks: Remote access by foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) poses strategic risks. Data storage outside India creates national security concerns.
- Import Dependence: High reliance on imported turbine components reduces self-reliance and increases costs.
- Imported Models may not be able to withstand conditions like Heat Waves (>45°C), saline coastal air, monsoons, grid voltage fluctuations etc.
- Lack of Indigenous R&D: OEMs mainly assemble, not innovate, in India. Lack of local R&D hampers technology adapted to Indian needs.
Proposed Policy Measures For Development and Scaling Of Wind Sector
- Mandatory Data Localization: All operational wind turbine data must be stored within Indian territory to prevent foreign surveillance or cyberattacks.
- Ban on Foreign Remote Access: Foreign entities, including OEMs, will no longer be allowed to remotely access or control Indian wind farms.
- Localised Innovation: Mandatory R&D facilities and prototype testing should be enforced to suit India’s diverse climatic conditions.
- Wind turbine designs must be tailored to Indian operational challenges under the “Engineered for India” approach.
- Certification by Indian Authorities: All vendors and OEMs must obtain security and operational clearance from Indian regulatory bodies before being allowed to operate in the country.
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Government Initiatives To Develop Wind Energy In India
- National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018: Encourages optimal land use by combining wind and solar generation.
- National Offshore Wind Energy Policy: To develop offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km.
- VGF Scheme for Offshore Wind Projects: The government approved ₹7,453 crore under a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to develop 1 GW of India’s first offshore wind projects—500 MW each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- Wind Atlas by National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE): The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has launched Wind Energy Resources Map of India at 100 meter above ground level and solar radiation map at ground level on online Geographic Information System (GIS) platform.
Way Forward
- India-Specific Design Adaptation: There is a need to encourage the development of wind turbine technologies customized for India’s diverse wind regimes particularly low to medium wind speed zones.
- Hybrid Integration: The wind systems should be designed in such a manner that they can be easily integrated with solar and storage systems, supporting India’s push for hybrid renewable energy parks.
- Indigenous R&D: Strengthen collaboration between Indian research institutions and industry to develop cost-effective, modular wind solutions suited to local terrain and socio-economic contexts.
Conclusion
India’s wind energy future hinges not just on scale, but on how secure, resilient, and self-reliant the sector becomes. A shift from passive assembly to active innovation and cyber defence is essential to safeguard India’s clean energy vision.
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