India's Participation in the Wind Energy Race: Potential and Challenges

Author(s): Dr. Saikat Dalui

Abstract:

In this paper we have discussed the role of wind energy as renewable energy source for sustainable development in India. What we have found that wind energy is gaining strong foothold in India for its various advantages. India’s wind energy sector is led by indigenous wind power industry and has shown consistent progress. The country currently has the fourth highest installed wind energy capacity in the world with total installed capacity of 39.25 GW. Whether in the manufacturing and installation of wind turbines or in the operation and maintenance of wind farms, there are abundant employment opportunities. One of the primary hurdles confronting the wind energy sector in India revolves around land acquisition, a crucial requirement for establishing wind farms. The intermittent nature of wind energy in India, attributable to its geographical location, poses challenges for seamless integration into the power grid. Inadequate transmission infrastructure and grid connectivity issues may lead to the curtailment of wind energy, thereby impacting the economic viability of wind energy projects. India has a history of frequent policy changes and bureaucratic complexities. Despite notable improvements in recent decades, the wind energy sector in India continues to grapple with policy uncertainties. Such unpredictability acts as a deterrent for investors and developers, hindering investments in wind energy projects. Nevertheless, there is optimism that new innovations and government support can surmount these challenges, paving the way for a significant contribution from wind energy to the renewable energy sector.

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