India’s Wind Energy Sector: Challenges in powering clean energy revolution

Several key factors have propelled the growth of wind energy in India.

By Amit Kansal

Wind power serves as a dependable and eco-friendly energy source, significantly influencing the evolution of India's energy framework. India proudly ranks among the top five nations worldwide in wind power capacity, poised to make even more remarkable advancements. As climate change presents an urgent, pressing challenge, working in harmony with nature to fulfill our energy requirements and secure our existence is the most rational approach. This method provides a viable way to meet our energy needs and stands as one of the limited options left for the continuation of our species. Considering sustainability, wind energy stands out as a highly promising option for collaboration with the natural world.

Currently, wind energy stands as a fundamental element of India’s commitment to renewable power, playing a crucial role in achieving the country’s clean energy objectives. Nonetheless, as with any emerging sector, wind energy brings forth a mix of challenges and opportunities within a constantly changing environmental and policy landscape.

Several key factors have propelled the growth of wind energy in India, positioning the nation as the fourth global leader in renewable energy.

Modern wind turbines are designed with advanced control systems to maximize energy generation even at low to ultra-low wind sites. They are equipped with efficient cooling systems to operate effectively in harsh temperature zones. Advanced controllers and sophisticated supervisory systems enhance turbine longevity, ensuring reliable performance under challenging conditions.

Encouraging Policy Landscape: The Indian government has rolled out significant initiatives, including the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy and the Offshore Wind Energy Policy, aimed at fostering development in the wind energy sector. India aims to achieve 140 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030, having surpassed 47 GW as of September 2024. These policies clearly highlight the government's commitment to expanding renewable energy, paving the way for further development.

Technological Advancements: Technological advancements have significantly influenced the sector's growth, bringing about transformative changes. Advancements in wind turbine generators, featuring increased tower heights, extended blade lengths, and the integration of digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for intelligent maintenance, have improved efficiency and bolstered the regional wind energy sector. The recent developments are bridging the efficiency gap, positioning wind energy as a more viable and sustainable choice for India's energy landscape.

Challenges Affecting the Future of Wind Energy

Although it has achieved significant milestones, the wind energy sector in India encounters a variety of important obstacles. The variability in wind patterns stands out as a significant concern, with annual fluctuations in wind speeds that can reach as high as 20%. The uncertainty involved makes it challenging to predict revenue and plan finances, heightening the risk for both developers and investors.

Identifying Appropriate Locations: One significant challenge is identifying appropriate locations for wind initiatives. Inadequately selected sites, particularly in regions characterised by minimal wind activity, can jeopardise a project's feasibility and result in long-lasting financial challenges. Choosing the right site effectively demands thorough and enduring data, which is frequently insufficient, leading to less-than-ideal choices and a missed opportunity for valuable insights. A lack of comprehensive weather data limits precise performance forecasts, complicates site optimisation, and hinders reliable financial results.

Claims from Speculative Sources: Claims from speculative sources further complicate the challenges faced by the sector, hindering efforts to obtain financing and draw in customers. Site assessments frequently use advanced wind modeling tools, but their unreliability increases uncertainty and amplifies project risks.

Transmission Infrastructure: The transmission infrastructure in India introduces an additional layer of complexity. Inefficiencies and distribution challenges in the national grid impede the reliable delivery of wind-generated electricity. Additionally, the Indian wind sector encounters competitive challenges from China, known for its better power quality and reduced tariffs, especially in rural regions where regular power outages pose further difficulties.

The Future of Wind Energy in India 

The outlook for wind energy in India is promising. Forecasts for the next five years predict a 25% decline in the 2 MW segment and a 50% increase in the 4 MW segment, reflecting broader trends in the global wind energy landscape. India is prepared to employ larger turbines and promote offshore wind farm projects to meet its growing energy needs.

India demonstrates a strong dedication to renewable energy through its bold objectives. By 2030, the nation plans to greatly enhance its wind energy capacity, aligning with its overarching goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability. This expansion will generate additional job prospects, enhancing the economy and supporting a more sustainable future.

India's wind energy sector stands at a critical juncture, confronting both substantial opportunities and substantial challenges. With a strong policy framework, advanced technology, and a commitment to sustainability, the nation is well-positioned to lead the wind energy sector globally. A number of key players in the industry have taken on an essential role in fostering innovation, improving localisation, and securing the sector’s sustainability for the future. The wind sector will play a crucial role in shaping India's energy landscape, creating employment opportunities, and reducing carbon emissions due to the ongoing investment in renewable energy. When discussing job creation, it's important to highlight that the renewable energy sector employed 1.02 million individuals in the country in 2023.

The path to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future is progressing, with wind power poised to play a crucial role in India's renewable energy goals.

(Amit Kansal is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Senvion India.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.