India expected to add 6 gigawatts of new wind energy capacity: Joshi

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Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said 6 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity is expected to be added by the end of financial year 2025-2026, the highest-ever annual addition, much higher than last year’s 4 GW.

“This financial year so far, over 3 GW of new wind capacity has been added,” he said in a media interaction on the sidelines of the 7^th edition of Windergy India 2025 conference in Chennai.

“India is moving with clear determination towards the goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, and wind power will play a major part —contributing 100 GW or more. With 54 GW of installed wind energy and another 30 GW under implementation, we are well on track to meet our 2030 target, Mr. Joshi said.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh together contribute almost half of India’s total wind capacity of 54 GW, he said.

“India’s wind industry already has 70% local content, showing strong domestic capability. Under the Atmanirbhar Wind Mission, our goal is to increase this to 85% by 2030,” Mr. Joshi said.

 “The GST on wind equipment has been reduced from 12% to 5%, helping reduce turbine cost by over ₹25 lakh per MW,” Mr. Joshi said.

“With the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) – Wind framework and related initiatives, India can soon meet 10% of global wind demand by 2030 and up to 20% by 2040 and emerge as a global manufacturing hub for turbines and components,” he said.

“A study by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) shows a potential of 1,164 GW at 150 metres hub height across India. To unlock new areas, the Government has launched a Viability Gap Funding  (VGF) Scheme for Offshore Wind Projects, targeting 1 GW in the first phase— 500 MW each off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Joshi said.

MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the tender for Tamil Nadu offshore wind project is expected to be floated by February. 

Earlier speaking at the inaugural of the conference, Mr. Joshi said India’s total installed capacity is nearing 500 GW, with non-fossil sources contributing over 257 GW.

“We are committed to working closely with state governments to streamline processes for land acquisition, and grid connectivity to reduce project timelines,” Mr. Joshi said, besides working with the state governments to address the issue of pending dues of wind energy producers.