India has recorded a historic annual growth during 2025-2026 in wind energy capacity by adding 6.1 GW during the year, the union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) announced on Wednesday, April 22. The country currently ranks fourth in the world in wind energy, possessing over 56.1 GW installed capacity and an additional 28 GW under implementation
Addressing Wind Independent Power Producers Association on Wednesday, Union minister for new and renewable energy, Pralhad Joshi, stated that the country had made remarkable progress in the wind energy sector and claimed that the union government is committed to accelerating India’s transition into clean energy.
The minister said that India’s wind energy potential at 150 metres hub height is estimated at nearly 1164 GW. Stressing the enormous and untapped potential of the sector, Joshi hoped that with sustained efforts, the country will achieve 100 GW wind capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036. Attaining these goals will contribute significantly to India’s Net-Zero target by 2070, he claimed.
“As far as green energy is concerned our target of 500 GW we are going to achieve by 2030,” Joshi told reporters.
45% of wind energy produced during night
Joshi said that wind energy plays a critical role in stabilising India’s energy system. Its peak generation hours occur during evening and night , which are high-demand periods. The minister added noted that nearly 45 per cent of wind power generation occurs during the peak demand hours, which makes it a major complement to solar energy.
The minister stated that the government has introduced a “dedicated wind component” under Renewable Purchase Obligations to ensure that there is sustained demand. Enforcement of late payment surcharge rules, transparent bidding guidelines and the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) are measures to strengthen investor confidence and promote domestic manufacturing, he added.
India has developed a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem with an annual capacity exceeding 24 GW and indigenisation levels of 70–80 per cent, the minister said. A strong supply chain capabilities across blades, towers, gearboxes and other crucial components are a help.
Policy support crucial
The minister addressed industry concerns by saying that the government is examining the release of additional wind tenders while promoting hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) projects for enhanced grid efficiency. Issues related to deviation settlement mechanism (DSM) penalties, curtailment and transmission delays are under active consideration, Joshi said.
He mentioned the initiative Green Energy Open Access rules to facilitate direct procurement of renewable power by industries, repowering of old wind turbines and expansion of transmission infrastructure under the Green Energy Corridor. He said that the Centre is working to mobilise long-term, low-cost financing through innovative mechanisms such as blended finance and credit enhancement frameworks.
The recently launched 500 MW pilot under the Contracts for Difference model is expected to provide revenue certainty and improve market stability.
The minister said that the evolving global landscape presents a strategic opportunity for India to emerge as a trusted global manufacturing and supply partner in the wind energy sector, particularly as countries seek to diversify supply chains. He stressed that India achieving the ambitious target of 156 GW over the next decade is well within reach and highlighted the need for greater focus on integrated hybrid systems combining wind, solar and storage to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.