Subject: Indian Geography

The emergence of wind energy as a vital component of India's renewable energy portfolio marks a significant stride towards achieving its COP28 commitments and energy security goals.

Potential of Wind Energy in India

Geographic Distribution and Capacity:

• India possesses a substantial gross wind power potential of 695.50 GW at 120 meters and 1163.9 GW at 150 meters height, as assessed by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
• The country has achieved an installed capacity of 45.88 GW as of March 2024, with 3.4 GW added in 2024 alone.
• Western and Southern states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu lead in wind power generation due to favorable wind conditions.

Technical and Economic Potential:

• Advanced wind mapping at various heights (50m to 150m) enables better site identification and resource assessment.
• Integration with the National Grid allows for efficient power distribution and management.
• Cost-competitive compared to conventional energy sources, with declining installation costs.

Reasons for Limited Spatial Spread

Geographic Constraints:

• Wind power potential is concentrated in specific regions with adequate wind speeds and favorable topography.
• Limited availability of suitable land in densely populated areas.
• Varied wind patterns across different regions affect consistent power generation.

Infrastructure Challenges:

• Inadequate transmission infrastructure in potential wind-rich areas.
• High initial setup costs and maintenance requirements.
• Limited grid connectivity in remote locations.

Policy and Implementation Issues:

• Complex land acquisition procedures and environmental clearances.
• Varied state-level policies affecting uniform development.
• Limited access to finance and technical expertise in many regions.

Despite these challenges, India's wind energy sector shows promise through initiatives like Generation Based Incentive (GBI), Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waivers, and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, aiming to achieve its 500 GW renewable energy capacity goal by 2030.