India Celebrates Global Wind Day, Rajasthan recognized for achieving the highest wind capacity addition

MNRE holds event in New Delhi to commemorate achievements and discuss strategies for expanding wind power in India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, marked the occasion of Global Wind Day with a day-long event in New Delhi today. With the central theme of “Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India,” the celebration aimed to commemorate past achievements and discuss strategies to accelerate wind energy adoption in the country.

Addressing the attendees, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, reiterated India’s commitment to achieving the ambitious target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. He commended the contributions of states with significant wind potential in the development of the wind energy sector.

During the event, accolades were given to the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu for their outstanding achievements in the financial year 2022-‘23. Rajasthan was recognized for achieving the highest wind capacity addition, Gujarat for attaining the highest wind capacity addition through open access, and Tamil Nadu for initiating the repowering of wind turbines.

A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Wind Atlas, prepared by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE). This comprehensive atlas estimates the onshore wind potential of India at 1,164 GW at a height of 150 meters above the ground.

The event witnessed active participation from central and state government authorities, wind turbine manufacturers and developers, international and domestic financial institutions, Central Public Sector Enterprises, academia, think-tanks, and other key stakeholders.

The celebration was organized in collaboration with the National Institute of Wind Energy, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, Indian Wind Power Association, and Wind Independent Power Producers Association.

India has made remarkable progress in wind energy generation and currently ranks fourth in the world in terms of wind power capacity. Wind energy plays a crucial role in India’s pursuit of generating 50% of its electric power from non-fossil fuel-based resources by 2030 and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. The country possesses substantial potential for both onshore and offshore wind energy production. Through continuous government efforts, India has established around 15 GW of domestic wind manufacturing capacity, fostering self-reliance (Aatma Nirbhar).