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1. Wind Energy is at the centre of India’s strategy for the renewable energy sector : Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi

Wind Energy is at the Centre of India’s strategy for the renewable energy sector : Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi

Event Context

• Occasion: Global Wind Day, observed on 15th June every year.
• Location: Bengaluru.
• Organized by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Relevance : GS 3(Renewable Energy )

India’s Wind Energy Vision

• Wind energy is central to India’s renewable energy policy.
• India targets:
  • 50% power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030
  • Net-zero emissions by 2070
• Wind is the heart of Atmanirbhar Bharat in energy.

Prime Minister’s Vision Highlighted

• Renewable energy for manufacturing, conventional energy for households.
• Supports India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub powered by green energy.

India’s Global Standing

• 4th largest wind power installed capacity globally.
• 3rd largest renewable energy producer.
• India now manufactures wind turbines from 225 kW to 5.2 MW, via 14 companies and 33 models – also competitive in global markets.

Key Challenges Identified

1. Integration:
   1. Need to combine wind + solar + battery storage (BESS) for 24/7 green power.
2. Tariff reduction:
   1. Current cost ₹3.90/unit is high — calls for tariff rationalization.
3. Manufacturing efficiency:
   1. To meet domestic targets and enhance exports.

Five National Priorities in Wind Energy

1. Expand into new states:
   1. Targeting Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha.
2. Offshore wind:
   1. 4 GW leasing areas identified in Gujarat & Tamil Nadu.
3. Firm green power strategies:
   1. Storage-linked models to ensure reliability.
4. Modern grid:
   1. Investment in AI-based forecasting to manage intermittency.
5. Boost domestic manufacturing:
   1. Full value chain focus — turbines, blades, components.

Policy and Financial Support

• 53% increase in the renewable energy budget: ₹26,549 crore.
• Major portion directed to wind sector.
• Emphasis on land acquisition and grid transmission as bottlenecks to overcome.

Reports Released

1. Wind Energy Roadmap
2. Wind Manufacturing Roadmap
   1. These serve as strategic frameworks for the sector’s future.

State Performers in Wind Capacity Addition (2024-25)

• Karnataka – 1331.48 MW (Rank 1)
• Tamil Nadu – 1136.37 MW (Rank 2)
• Gujarat – 954.76 MW (Rank 3)

Significance of Global Wind Day

• Celebrates global progress in wind energy.
• Brings together DISCOMs, CPSUs, manufacturers, academia, and think tanks.
• Organized with support from:
  • WIPPA, IWTMA, IWPA.

Takeaway

• India is actively positioning wind energy as a pillar of its green industrial revolution.
• The focus is on affordable tariffs, manufacturing efficiency, and hybrid storage solutions.
• With strong government backing, wind energy is crucial to achieving India’s climate goals, energy security, and economic leadership.