India’s wind energy potential: A key to reliable, renewable power

Posted on 13 Nov 2024

India's energy transition has focused heavily on solar energy, but the untapped potential of wind power offers a chance to create a more reliable renewable energy supply. Solar power peaks during the day, while wind energy can generate power at night and during the monsoon season, providing balance and reducing reliance on thermal power. India aims to reach 122 GW of wind capacity by 2032 to enhance grid stability, lower emissions, and boost economic growth through job creation and exports. Key challenges like land acquisition, intermittency, and costs must be addressed. Policies such as Renewable Purchase Obligations, offshore wind initiatives, and state-level coordination are essential to overcoming hurdles. A hybrid solar-wind strategy could drive greater energy security and sustainability.

India is currently navigating a dynamic energy transition, moving away from fossil fuels towards renewables, with solar energy at the forefront. However, as night falls, solar power wanes, and thermal power steps in to meet approximately 80% of the non-solar hour demand. Recent findings from a report by Ember Climate highlight the significant yet underutilised role that wind energy could play in filling this energy gap, providing India with a cleaner and more sustainable power supply around the clock.

With India's population and economy growing, the demand for energy is projected to continue rising. Achieving energy security without compromising environmental sustainability is crucial. While solar power has dominated India's renewable landscape, wind energy — despite its promising potential — has remained underdeveloped. The Ember report emphasises that if India can harness the complementarity of solar and wind energy, it could achieve a more balanced, resilient grid that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and ensures reliable power access across the nation.

Current state of renewables in India: Solar surge, but thermal still dominates: India’s renewable energy sector has seen exponential growth, largely driven by solar energy. From 2014 to 2024, solar capacity grew by 180%, reaching 89.4 GW in August 2024. This increase has led to solar power meeting up to 19% of daytime electricity demand. Nevertheless, wind energy has lagged, contributing only 10.5% of the nation’s installed capacity. The reliance on thermal power remains high, as it supplies around 80% of the electricity needed outside of solar production hours.

However, India has ambitious targets for wind energy, aiming to reach 122 GW by 2032. Meeting these targets could alleviate pressure on thermal plants, reduce emissions, and help India achieve its renewable energy goals. A balanced energy mix could also safeguard against fluctuating fossil fuel prices and bolster energy security — a priority as India strives for economic resilience amid global energy uncertainties.

Wind energy’s complementarity with solar: A sustainable energy solution: One of the study's key insights is the complementarity of wind and solar power. In India, the sun shines brightest during the day, while wind speeds often peak at night and early morning. This diurnal (daily) complementarity between solar and wind can ensure a more consistent supply of renewable energy, covering gaps when one resource is not generating power.

In addition, India benefits from seasonal complementarity. Wind energy peaks during the monsoon season when cloud cover often reduces solar output. States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have strong wind resources that could complement solar power in states with fewer wind resources, such as Rajasthan. This geographic diversity could enable states to share renewable energy and collectively reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially during high-demand seasons.

The report also notes that integrating wind and solar into hybrid projects increases overall capacity utilisation. Hybrid projects optimise land use, reduce capital costs, and lower the tariffs for wind-solar power compared to standalone projects. In a recent bidding process, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) reported tariffs as low as ₹3.46 per unit for wind-solar hybrids, underscoring the economic feasibility of this approach.

The economic impact: Job creation and export potential: Apart from reducing emissions, a stronger wind sector could be a substantial economic driver. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that India’s wind sector employed 40,000 workers in 2022. Expanding wind energy could generate jobs across various segments, including project design, construction, and maintenance. A sixfold increase in employment opportunities is anticipated by 2030 as India strives to meet its ambitious targets.

Furthermore, India’s manufacturing capabilities position it as a potential export hub for wind turbines and components. Domestic companies already supply equipment to global markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. Strengthening the wind sector could thus support India’s economic growth, creating green jobs and boosting export revenue.

Policy developments and regulatory challenges: India has taken meaningful policy steps to accelerate wind energy deployment, yet several hurdles remain. Among the recent policy initiatives are:

Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): In 2023, the Ministry of Power updated the RPO framework to mandate that a specific portion of electricity be sourced from wind. This requirement aims to push wind’s share in the energy mix to 3.48% by 2030, driving demand for new installations.
Revised Auction Mechanisms: To stimulate project activity, India has reintroduced reverse auctions for wind projects in 2024 and committed to a 50 GW annual bidding trajectory. These auctions ensure competitive pricing but require streamlined land acquisition and grid connectivity to avoid delays.
Offshore Wind Initiatives: Offshore wind projects present a largely untapped resource. With the recent approval of viability gap funding (VGF) for 1 GW of offshore wind projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, India aims to diversify its energy mix further. Offshore wind development holds potential, particularly for states with long coastlines, and could play a crucial role in energy security in the coming decades.

Despite these policies, the report points out that implementation gaps and regulatory challenges persist. For example, land acquisition complexities, varying state-level policies, and RPO compliance inconsistencies complicate wind project development. Out of India’s 27 states, only 21 have outlined clear targets for wind energy, leaving room for improvement in inter-state coordination.

Counterpoints and challenges: While expanding wind energy offers numerous benefits, the reports acknowledge several challenges and counterarguments that add complexity to this transition:

Intermittency of Wind Power: Like solar, wind power is an intermittent resource. While diurnal and seasonal complementarity with solar helps, energy storage solutions (like batteries or pumped hydro storage) are necessary for balancing fluctuations. Without substantial storage investments, wind energy alone may not fully stabilise the grid, raising questions about the long-term feasibility of a renewable-only energy grid.
Land use conflicts: Wind farms require large land parcels, which can lead to conflicts, particularly in rural areas. Conservationists also express concerns about wind farms' impact on local ecosystems and wildlife, suggesting that careful site selection and environmental impact assessments are crucial to mitigate adverse effects.
Higher tariffs for wind: Although wind tariffs have become more competitive, they remain higher than solar tariffs, especially when accounting for infrastructure costs. This cost difference has led some to question whether scaling wind capacity at the targeted rate is financially prudent.

Achieving the target: Triple wind capacity by 2032: According to reports, India will need to triple its wind capacity to align with its National Electricity Plan (NEP14) projections, which set ambitious targets for renewable energy. Achieving this goal will require a multifaceted approach that includes fast-tracking auctions, ensuring seamless grid connectivity, and adopting digital solutions for land records to facilitate land acquisition. The central government must work closely with state governments to align policies and provide incentives that attract private investment.

To overcome these challenges, the report suggests prioritising state-level policy updates, encouraging inter-state energy exchange agreements, and supporting developers through streamlined land acquisition processes. Digitising land records could further expedite wind projects, offering a transparent and efficient means of securing land for renewable energy installations.

Offshore wind: An emerging frontier: The government’s renewed focus on offshore wind adds another layer of opportunity. Coastal states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are primed for offshore wind projects, given their favorable wind conditions and proximity to infrastructure. Offshore wind could significantly expand the energy mix, providing an alternative to land-based projects and reducing the pressure on inland land resources.

In 2024, the government approved a VGF scheme with an INR 74.53 billion outlay for offshore wind projects, aimed at bolstering the offshore wind sector and enhancing energy security. Additionally, the SECI recently tendered sea-bed lease rights for 4 GW offshore wind projects in Tamil Nadu, signalling India’s commitment to long-term renewable energy diversification.

A future shaped by renewable synergy: The Ember report ultimately underscores a promising but underexplored synergy between solar and wind. For India, achieving a sustainable and secure energy future involves more than just meeting installation targets — it requires strategic integration of complementary renewable sources. The path forward will require a holistic approach, balancing regulatory frameworks, infrastructural investments, and environmental considerations.

As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, India stands at a crossroads. The development of a hybrid solar-wind grid could be a defining factor in India’s energy landscape, making power not only cleaner but more reliable. By investing in wind energy, the nation could take a monumental step toward a future where renewable sources account for a substantial share of the energy supply, reducing the need for fossil fuels and aligning with global climate goals.

In a world increasingly shaped by the effects of climate change, India's commitment to wind energy represents a beacon of sustainable development. With the right combination of policy, technology, and economic investment, India’s winds of change may well power a cleaner, brighter future for generations to come.

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Prasad Nair is a Delhi based journalist.

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