Overview

India achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey by adding 6.05 GW of wind power capacity in FY 2025–26, marking a 46% year-on-year increase and the highest annual addition to date. This growth underscores the country’s accelerating transition toward clean energy and strengthens its position as a global leader in wind energy.

Cumulative Installed Capacity

  • Total installed wind power capacity now exceeds 56 GW.
  • India ranks 4th globally in wind energy capacity, behind China, the United States, and Germany.

Key Contributing States

  • Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have been the leading states in wind power deployment.
  • Growth has been supported by integrated wind-solar hybrid projects and enhanced Green Energy Open Access provisions.

Policy and Institutional Support

The government has implemented several enabling measures:

  • Concessional customs duty on imported wind power equipment.
  • Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for wind power projects until June 2028.
  • Implementation of competitive bidding for project allocation.
  • Introduction of the Wind Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) framework to mandate consumption.
  • Institutional support from the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) for resource assessment, project planning, and R&D.

Future Potential

  • India’s technical wind energy potential is estimated at ~1,164 GW.
  • As of FY 2025–26, only about 4.5% of this potential has been harnessed, indicating vast untapped opportunities.
  • The wind energy program began in the early 1990s, and has since developed a robust ecosystem of manufacturers, developers, and regulators.

Significance for National Goals

  • Critical for achieving the 107 GW wind power target by 2030.
  • Contributes to India’s broader climate commitment of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
  • Supports sustainable development, energy security, and mobilization of green investments.

Constitutional and Policy Context

  • Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 and 13).
  • Falls under the purview of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Supported by the Electricity Act, 2003 (RPO mechanisms) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).