The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, has recently awarded Gujarat for its highest wind power installed capacity on the occasion of Global Wind Day on June 15. The state has emerged as a leader in the segment.
Key highlights
- The award was provided at an event “Pawan Urja: Powering the Future of India” in New Delhi.
- As of May 2024, Gujarat’s total installed wind power capacity was 11,823 MW, the highest in the country. It was followed by Tamil Nadu with the total installed capacity of 10,743 MW. Karnataka grabbed the third spot with a total capacity of 6,312 MW.
- At the same time, Gujarat also tops the list in the country when it comes to total renewable energy capacity, with 28,200 MW. The state has developed a huge solar power capacity with a total capacity of 14,182 MW presently. Gujarat is following an ambitious target of installing a total of 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030. It is speculated to draw investment of around ₹5 lakh crore.
- Specialised policies, proactive measures and an investor-friendly environment have contributed to this achievement of the state.
- Rajasthan has the highest solar power installed capacity with 22,180 MW.
Why developing wind energy capacity is important for India?
- India is one of the largest energy consumers in the world and is at 3rd spot globally. The energy demand in the country is rising every day, creating challenges for the government to meet the requirements.
- At the same time, the government has to fulfil this demand in a sustainable manner to reduce emissions and accomplish the target of net zero by 2070. In this scenario, harnessing wind energy potential becomes critical.
- Wind energy is an inexhaustible and non-polluting source of energy. It can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut down carbon emissions significantly while providing adequate energy for consumption.
- Furthermore, it can reduce energy imports and support wealth and local employment generation.
What are the challenges in developing wind energy capacity?
- Cost-competitiveness: Wind energy projects are a more economically viable option than traditional sources of energy. However, such projects are not equally viable for locations with a lower flow of wind.
- Remote locations: The ideal wind energy sites are situated in remote areas in India and it becomes challenging to bring energy to urban centres when the demand is high.
- Need for a backup supply: The flow of wind is intermittent in nature. It does not remain the same all the time, affecting the energy supply. This requires the integration of a backup supply at wind energy sites.
- Noise pollution: Wind turbines produce high-level noise all the time and affect the environment and the locals. It also affects wildlife, attracting criticism from environmentalists.
What is India’s renewable energy target?
- India aims to generate 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, with a primary focus on expanding renewable energy capacity.
- To achieve this target, India has accelerated actions with notable initiatives in various segments of renewable energy.
- India has promoted the installation of solar power capacity with initiatives such as the National Solar Mission and PM KUSUM.
- It has promoted wind energy installation capacity with the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy and the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy.
- For hydropower, it has a National Hydroelectricity Policy.
- For hydrogen energy generation, it has a National Hydrogen Energy Mission and a National Green Hydrogen Energy Mission.
