India's wind energy capacity set to reach 107 GW by 2030

India is poised to become a global wind energy leader, targeting 107 GW of capacity by 2030, surpassing its 100 GW goal, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. Currently at 51 GW, India plans to double its capacity through policy alignment and grid improvements. The country, now the third-largest wind manufacturing hub, aims to meet 10% of global demand and create 1,54,000 annual jobs. With vast untapped potential, India is driving clean energy growth and global sustainability efforts.

India is rapidly cementing its position as a global hub for wind energy, aiming to meet 10% of global demand while creating approximately 1,54,000 new jobs annually, according to a report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The report, titled "Wind at the Core: Driving India's Green Ambitions and International Influence", projects that India’s wind energy capacity will more than double, reaching 107 GW by 2030, surpassing the government’s target of 100 GW.

Expanding Wind Energy: Current Capacity and Future Goals

The report highlights that India’s installed wind capacity, which currently stands at 51 GW, is set to grow significantly. This aligns with state-level Resource Adequacy Plans (RAP) and positions India to achieve a cost-effective energy transition. Additionally, organizations such as NREL, IEA, WRI, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggest even higher targets, estimating wind capacity could reach between 121 GW and 164 GW by 2030.

Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, reaffirmed India’s commitment to installing 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, with wind contributing a quarter of this mix. “India is not just building clean energy infrastructure; we are building the future,” he said.

Overcoming Challenges to Unlock Potential

The report outlines several strategies to overcome obstacles and maximize wind energy potential, including addressing grid integration issues, enforcing Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), and aligning state bidding processes with energy offtake needs. These measures could enable India to fully realize its wind energy potential, which stands at an estimated 1,164 GW but remains underutilized, with only 4.5% tapped so far.

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of New & Renewable Energy, elaborated on the current progress, noting that 30 GW of wind energy projects are in various stages of implementation and are expected to become operational within the next couple of years. He also expressed optimism about adding 6–7 GW of wind energy capacity in 2025.

India as a Wind Manufacturing Powerhouse

India’s wind manufacturing capacity has surged from 12 GW in 2022 to 20 GW in 2024, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest wind manufacturing hub. The nation exported 3 GW of wind energy equipment last year, contributing to a global export market of 117 GW, which is expected to grow to 135 GW this year.

Despite concerns over U.S. tariffs on renewable energy equipment, Sarangi stated that India’s exports to the U.S. are minimal, and the impact on domestic industries would be negligible.

The Economic and Social Impact of Scaling Wind Energy

The GWEC report underscores the transformative impact of scaling wind energy installations. For instance, increasing annual installations to 8 GW could create 1,16,000 jobs, reduce energy costs by 10%, and achieve 80% domestic content. Further scaling to 15 GW annually could generate 1,54,000 jobs, fostering economic growth and manufacturing expansion.

Girish Tanti, Chairman of GWEC India and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, noted that by 2050, India’s wind capacity could soar to 452 GW, aligning with global trends where renewables are expected to supply nearly half of all electricity, with wind contributing 20–25%.

A Green Future Beckons

Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, emphasized that scaling India’s wind capacity to 107 GW by 2030 would unlock new economic opportunities, expand manufacturing capabilities, and widen energy access across the country.

India’s ambitious renewable energy goals, combined with its growing manufacturing strength, place the nation at the forefront of the global clean energy transition. By leveraging its vast wind potential, India is not only addressing its energy needs but also contributing to global sustainability efforts.