New Delhi: India’s renewable energy sector is experiencing a transformative phase, with wind energy playing a pivotal role in the nation’s clean energy ambitions. On the occasion of Global Wind Day 2025, celebrated on June 15, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that India’s wind energy capacity has surged by more than 10.5% to 51.5 gigawatts (GW) from 46.42 GW in May 2024. This remarkable growth underscores India’s commitment to sustainable development and its position as a global leader in renewable energy production. With a total renewable energy capacity of 226.74 GW, up 17.13% year-on-year from 193.58 GW in May 2024, India is forging a path toward a greener, self-reliant future.
India’s Wind Energy: A Global Powerhouse
India stands tall as the fourth-largest wind power producer globally, with a wind energy capacity of 51.5 GW as of May 2025. This represents a significant leap from 21.04 GW in 2014, reflecting a robust growth trajectory over the past decade. Wind power is the second-largest contributor to India’s renewable energy mix, following solar power, which has seen an even more dramatic expansion. The nation ranks as the third-largest renewable energy producer worldwide, a testament to its sustained efforts in harnessing clean energy to combat climate change and reduce its carbon footprint.
The growth in wind energy capacity aligns with India’s broader renewable energy achievements. The country’s total renewable energy capacity reached 226.74 GW in May 2025, a 17.13% increase from 193.58 GW in the previous year. Of this, solar power accounts for 110.83 GW, marking a 31.49% rise from 84.28 GW in May 2024. This rapid expansion in renewable energy capacity highlights India’s strategic focus on diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Government Leadership and Vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a driving force behind India’s renewable energy revolution. His ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a cornerstone of the nation’s climate change mitigation strategy. Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) emphasizes innovation, green technology, and sustainable progress. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, in a post on the social media platform X on Global Wind Day, celebrated the 51.5 GW wind energy milestone, stating, “We are moving towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, powered by innovation, green technology, and sustainable progress.” He further noted, “On this Global Wind Day, let’s celebrate the power of wind driving India’s clean energy growth.”
Joshi highlighted the unprecedented growth in India’s renewable energy sector under Modi’s leadership, emphasizing that clean energy is shaping the nation’s journey of progress and pride. The government’s proactive policies and initiatives have been instrumental in driving this transformation, particularly in the wind and solar energy sectors.
Key States Leading Wind Energy Growth
India’s wind energy potential is concentrated in several key states, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh leading the charge. These states possess favorable geographical and climatic conditions, making them ideal for wind energy projects. The government has prioritized these regions for the development of wind farms, leveraging their high wind potential to boost renewable energy production. The identification of these high-potential states is supported by initiatives like the Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative, which focuses on improving wind resource assessment to pinpoint the most promising locations for wind energy projects.
Government Initiatives Fueling Wind Energy Growth
The Indian government has implemented several policies and programs to bolster the wind energy sector. These initiatives aim to address technical, economic, and infrastructural challenges while promoting the adoption of renewable energy. Key government measures include:
- Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative: This program enhances wind resource assessment, enabling the identification of optimal locations for wind energy projects. By providing accurate data, the initiative supports developers in planning and executing wind farms more effectively.
- National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018: This policy promotes the development of large, grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic hybrid systems. By combining wind and solar energy, the policy ensures optimal and efficient utilization of resources, enhancing grid stability and energy output.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Offshore Wind Energy Projects: Aligned with the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015, this scheme provides financial support to make offshore wind projects economically viable. Offshore wind farms have the potential to significantly expand India’s wind energy capacity, particularly in coastal regions.
- Green Energy Open Access Rules (2022): These rules facilitate easier access to renewable energy for consumers, encouraging the adoption of clean energy through simplified regulations and open access to the grid.
- Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation (RPO): This mandates a certain percentage of electricity to be sourced from renewable energy, incentivizing utilities and industries to invest in wind and solar power.
These initiatives reflect the government’s multifaceted approach to scaling up wind energy capacity while addressing barriers to growth. By fostering innovation and providing financial and regulatory support, India is creating a conducive environment for renewable energy development.
Challenges in Wind Energy Development
Despite its impressive growth, the wind energy sector in India faces several challenges that must be addressed to sustain momentum. These challenges span infrastructure, economic, and technical domains:
Infrastructure Limitations
- Grid Instability: The intermittent nature of wind energy can cause fluctuations in power supply, posing challenges to grid stability.
- Inadequate Transmission Infrastructure: The lack of robust transmission networks hinders the efficient evacuation of power from wind farms, particularly in remote areas.
- Power Evacuation Mechanisms: The absence of effective mechanisms for power evacuation limits the scalability of wind energy projects.
Economic Factors
- High Minimum Project Size: The large scale required for wind energy projects increases upfront costs, making them less accessible to smaller developers.
- High Investment Costs: The capital-intensive nature of wind energy projects poses financial risks, particularly in a market with fluctuating tariffs.
- Financial Risks: Uncertainties in tariff structures and long-term returns can deter investors from committing to wind energy projects.
Technical Challenges
- Complex Installation and Commissioning: Setting up wind turbines, especially in offshore or remote locations, is technically demanding and requires specialized expertise.
- Transportation of Equipment: Moving large wind turbine components to remote or rugged terrains presents logistical challenges.
- Maintenance and Operations: Ensuring the long-term performance of wind turbines requires regular maintenance, which can be costly and complex in remote areas.
Addressing these challenges will require continued investment in infrastructure, innovative financing models, and advancements in technology to make wind energy projects more viable and scalable.
Solar Energy: A Complementary Force
While wind energy is a critical component of India’s renewable energy mix, solar energy has emerged as the dominant force. India’s solar power capacity has grown exponentially, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 110.83 GW in May 2025, a 31.49% increase from 84.28 GW in May 2024. This growth has been supported by a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem, with India now producing 25 GW of solar cells and 2 GW of wafers annually. This marks a significant improvement from 2014, when domestic production of solar cells and wafers was nearly non-existent.
The synergy between wind and solar energy is a key driver of India’s renewable energy strategy. The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy exemplifies this approach, combining the strengths of both energy sources to maximize efficiency and reliability. As solar and wind energy complement each other—solar during the day and wind often stronger at night—hybrid systems help stabilize the grid and ensure a consistent energy supply.
India’s 2030 Renewable Energy Target
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a cornerstone of India’s climate change strategy. This target aligns with the nation’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The growth in wind and solar energy capacity, coupled with supportive government policies, positions India to achieve this milestone. The focus on domestic manufacturing, asソー innovation, and infrastructure development will be critical to sustaining this momentum.
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future
India’s wind energy sector is at a pivotal moment, with 51.5 GW of capacity and a strong growth trajectory. The government’s proactive policies, combined with the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Minister Joshi, are driving the nation toward a sustainable future. However, addressing challenges such as grid stability, high investment costs, and technical complexities will be essential to maintaining this momentum.
As India celebrates Global Wind Day 2025, the nation’s achievements in wind and solar energy reflect a broader commitment to clean energy and climate action. With a target of 500 GW by 2030, India is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a global example for renewable energy adoption. The journey toward an Aatmanirbhar Bharat powered by green technology is well underway, and the wind energy sector is a key pillar of this transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is India’s current wind energy capacity, and how has it grown in 2025?
India’s wind energy capacity reached 51.5 gigawatts (GW) in May 2025, reflecting a 10.5% increase from 46.42 GW in May 2024. This growth underscores India’s position as the fourth-largest wind power producer globally and highlights its commitment to expanding renewable energy to meet the 500 GW target by 2030.
2.Which states in India have the highest potential for wind energy?
The states with the highest wind energy potential are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. These regions benefit from favorable wind conditions, making them ideal for wind farm development, supported by initiatives like the Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative.
3.What government initiatives are driving India’s wind energy growth?
Key initiatives include the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018) for efficient hybrid systems, the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind projects, the Green Energy Open Access Rules (2022), and the Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation (RPO). The CCDC Wind Initiative also aids in identifying optimal locations for wind projects.
4.What are the main challenges facing India’s wind energy sector?
The sector faces infrastructure limitations like grid instability and inadequate transmission networks, economic challenges such as high project costs and financial risks due to fluctuating tariffs, and technical issues including complex installation, equipment transportation to remote areas, and maintenance difficulties.
5.How does wind energy contribute to India’s renewable energy goals?
Wind energy, as the second-largest contributor to India’s renewable energy mix after solar (which reached 110.83 GW in 2025), plays a critical role in achieving the 226.74 GW total renewable capacity. It supports India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, reducing the carbon footprint and driving sustainable progress.
