Wind power is a critical component of India's renewable energy strategy. As one of the earliest commercialized renewable energy sources, wind power has evolved significantly, contributing substantially to India's energy mix. This document explores the current status, potential, challenges, and future prospects of wind power in India, supported by data, examples, and case studies up to 2030.

 

Current Scenario

As of 2023, India has an installed wind power capacity of approximately 42 GW, making it the fourth largest in the world. The majority of this capacity is located in states with high wind potential, such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Tamil Nadu leads with about 9.5 GW of installed capacity, followed by Gujarat with 8.5 GW.

Geographic Suitability

India's wind power potential is estimated at around 302 GW at 100 meters above ground level. The wind-rich states of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan account for more than 90% of this potential. The country's long coastline also offers significant opportunities for offshore wind development.

Benefits of Wind Power in India

• Renewable and Sustainable: Wind power is a clean, renewable energy source that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• Economic Advantages: Wind power projects create jobs, stimulate local economies, and offer cost-competitive energy. By 2020, the cost of wind power in India had fallen to approximately INR 2.80 per kWh to INR 3.00 per kWh.
• High Capacity Factors: Wind turbines in India achieve capacity factors of around 20-25%, providing a reliable source of energy.

Challenges and Environmental Concerns

• Intermittency: Wind power, like solar, is intermittent and cannot serve as a baseload power source. This necessitates complementary energy storage solutions and grid integration strategies.
• Land Use: Large-scale wind farms require significant land, which can lead to conflicts with agricultural use and local communities.
• Environmental Impact: Wind farms can affect local wildlife, particularly bird populations, and may face resistance from local communities due to noise and aesthetic concerns.

Key Technology

• Offshore Wind Farms: India’s first offshore wind project, proposed off the coast of Gujarat, aims to install 1 GW capacity. Offshore wind offers higher and more consistent wind speeds, reducing some of the land-use and environmental issues associated with onshore wind.
• Hybrid Power Plants: Combining wind with solar PV and battery storage can mitigate intermittency issues. India's first wind-solar hybrid plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, combines 160 MW of solar with 40 MW of wind capacity.
• Advanced Turbine Technologies: Innovations in turbine design, such as lightweight, high-performance blades and vertical axis wind turbines, are enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. For example, Suzlon's new 3 MW turbines are designed for lower wind speed sites.
• Digital Tools: The use of AI, IoT, and predictive maintenance technologies is improving the operational efficiency and reliability of wind farms. Wind power forecasting and scheduling tools are being developed to better integrate wind power into the grid.
• Bladeless Wind Turbines: These turbines reduce noise and visual impact, potentially increasing community acceptance and reducing wildlife harm.

Case Studies

• Muppandal Wind Farm: Located in Tamil Nadu, Muppandal is one of the largest onshore wind farms in India with a capacity of 1,500 MW. It showcases the potential of large-scale wind projects in high-wind regions.
• Gujarat Wind Projects: Gujarat's aggressive wind power development includes projects like the 200 MW Wind Park in Kutch, leveraging the state's high wind potential and favorable policy environment.
• Hybrid Projects in Andhra Pradesh: The Anantapur hybrid project, combining solar and wind power, is a pioneering effort demonstrating the benefits of hybrid renewable energy systems in addressing intermittency.