Intro:
India is the 4th largest wind power producer globally, with a total installed capacity of over 44 GW (2023). Wind energy forms a vital component of India’s renewable energy goals under National Electricity Plan and Net Zero 2070 target.
Potential of Wind Energy in India:
1. Geographic Potential:
- Estimated potential: 302 GW at 100 m height; 695 GW at 120 m (MNRE).
- Rich wind corridors: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan.
2. Offshore Wind Resources:
- Coastal areas like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have high offshore wind potential (~70 GW identified).
3. Policy Support:
- Initiatives: National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018), Offshore Wind Policy, PM-KUSUM for wind-solar hybrid pumps.
4. Low Carbon Footprint & Cost-effective:
- Levelized cost of wind energy: Rs 2.8–3.2/unit, cheaper than thermal power.
- Key for energy transition and rural electrification.
5. Job Creation & Local Benefits:
- Wind farms generate employment and infrastructure in remote/rural areas.
Reasons for Limited Spatial Spread:
1. Wind Speed Constraints:
- Viable wind speed (>6 m/s) mostly limited to southern and western India.
2. Land Acquisition Issues:
- Scarcity of contiguous land; conflicts with agriculture, forests, and tribal land.
3. Grid Infrastructure Limitations:
- Lack of transmission capacity in remote windy areas delays project integration.
4. Technological Challenges:
- Older turbines (low hub height) dominate; high potential at >100 m hub height remains untapped.
5. Offshore Challenges:
- High capital cost, lack of ports & marine infrastructure, regulatory hurdles.
6. Intermittency of Wind:
- Requires hybrid models or storage systems; limits standalone expansion.
7. Policy & Regulatory Hurdles:
- Unstable policies, delayed clearances, variability in state-level implementation.
Conclusion:
India holds immense wind energy potential, especially with advancements in high hub turbines and offshore projects. However, realizing this potential requires infrastructure strengthening, land reforms, technology upgrades, and coordinated policy implementation.
