Why in News
On June 15, 2026, the world observed Global Wind Day, with India spotlighting its wind-energy ambitions. India charted a path to 100 GW of installed wind capacity by 2030, as its current installed capacity, having crossed 56 GW, ranked the fourth largest in the world. The day, observed annually on June 15, is organised globally by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
India’s Wind Power in Numbers
| Indicator | Detail |
|---|---|
| Installed wind capacity (March 2026) | 56.09 GW |
| Capacity in March 2014 | 21.04 GW |
| Global rank | 4th |
| Under implementation | An additional 28 GW |
| Record annual addition (2025-26) | 6.05 GW (up from 4.15 GW in 2024-25) |
| Target | 100 GW by 2030; 155 GW by 2035 |
The institutions involved include the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the Central Electricity Authority, the Solar Energy Corporation of India, IREDA, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and Grid India.
Where Wind Fits in India’s Energy Transition
| Commitment | Detail |
|---|---|
| Panchamrit (COP26, 2021) | 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 |
| Net zero | By 2070 |
| Wind’s role | A pillar of the non-fossil target alongside solar |
The Analysis: From Ambition to Acceleration
- A pillar of the non-fossil target. Wind, alongside solar, is central to India’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030; reaching 100 GW of wind is essential to that target.
- The challenges. Wind expansion faces land-acquisition hurdles, the challenge of integrating variable renewable power into the grid, the nascency of offshore wind, and the need to re-power ageing turbines with more efficient machines.
- The frontiers. The next phase lies in offshore wind (with potential off Tamil Nadu and Gujarat), hybrid solar-wind parks that smooth output, and energy storage to firm up variable generation.
The way forward is to accelerate deployment through offshore wind auctions, hybrid parks, storage and grid upgrades, moving from ambition to acceleration, so that the 100 GW target is met and integrated reliably.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3 (Environment and Economy): renewable energy, the energy transition, climate commitments, the power sector.
- Prelims: Global Wind Day (June 15), India’s wind capacity and global rank, the 100 GW target, the organisers (WindEurope, GWEC), NIWE.
- Mains: the challenges of scaling and integrating variable renewable energy.
Facts Corner
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
The day and the event:
- Global Wind Day: June 15; organised globally by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
- India marked the day by spotlighting its wind-energy targets
India’s wind power:
- Installed capacity 56.09 GW (March 2026), 4th globally; record 6.05 GW added in 2025-26
- Targets: 100 GW by 2030, 155 GW by 2035; 28 GW under implementation
- Nodal bodies: MNRE and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE)
The commitments:
- Panchamrit (COP26): 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030; net zero by 2070
Sources: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, PIB
Source: Global Wind Day and India's 100 GW Wind Target by 2030 — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
