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- 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
- Integration:
- Need to combine wind + solar + battery storage (BESS) for 24/7 green power.
- Tariff reduction:
- Current cost ₹3.90/unit is high — calls for tariff rationalization.
- Manufacturing efficiency:
- To meet domestic targets and enhance exports.
Five National Priorities in Wind Energy
- Expand into new states:
- Targeting Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha.
- Offshore wind:
- 4 GW leasing areas identified in Gujarat & Tamil Nadu.
- Firm green power strategies:
- Storage-linked models to ensure reliability.
- Modern grid:
- Investment in AI-based forecasting to manage intermittency.
- Boost domestic manufacturing:
- 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
- Wind Energy Roadmap
- Wind Manufacturing Roadmap
- 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.