India's wind energy revolution: harnessing onshore and offshore potential

India stands as a formidable force in the global renewable energy landscape, securing the fourth position worldwide in installed wind energy capacity, trailing only China, the US, and Germany. As of early 2025, the nation crossed a significant milestone, achieving over 50 GW of installed wind capacity. This growth is a critical component of India’s ambitious Panchamrit goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

The potential is far from exhausted. According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India’s premier body for wind resource assessment, the country’s onshore wind power potential is a staggering 695.5 GW at a 120-meter hub height and escalates to 1,164 GW at 150 meters. This highlights the immense untapped resources available for future expansion.

Fun Fact: A single modern 3 MW wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power approximately 1,500 average Indian homes, showcasing the efficiency of modern wind technology.

Onshore Wind Power: The Current Backbone

The majority of India’s current capacity is from onshore wind projects. The geographical distribution of this potential is uneven, with a few states holding the lion’s share of viable sites.

Leading States in Onshore Wind Potential

Mnemonic for Top 5 States: To remember the leading states by potential (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh), use the phrase: “Great Rulers Know Modern Arts.”

The New Frontier: Tapping India’s Offshore Wind Potential

While onshore wind remains dominant, the strategic focus is rapidly shifting towards offshore wind, especially given India’s extensive 7,600 km coastline. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) estimates a massive offshore wind potential of 127 GW, primarily off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

In a major policy push in 2024, the government released a revised strategy paper outlining a plan to auction 37 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. To make these capital-intensive projects viable, the government has introduced critical support mechanisms:

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): A substantial VGF of approximately ₹74.5 billion was approved in 2024 for an initial 1 GW of offshore wind projects.
• ISTS Waiver: The waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for renewable projects has been extended until June 30, 2025, reducing the cost of power transmission.
• Seabed Leasing: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) initiated the process in February 2024 by announcing the leasing of the first 4 GW offshore wind seabed in Tamil Nadu.

Fun Fact: The blades of a large offshore wind turbine can be over 100 meters long—longer than a football field! Their sheer size allows them to capture more wind and generate vast amounts of power.

Policy Overhaul and Modernization

Recognizing that many early wind farms are now aging, the government introduced the National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023. This policy encourages the replacement of smaller, less efficient turbines with modern, high-capacity ones, maximizing energy generation from the best wind sites. States like Tamil Nadu have followed suit, introducing their own repowering regulations in September 2024.

Fun Fact: Wind farms have a minimal land footprint. The land between turbines can often be used for agriculture or grazing, a concept known as agrivoltaics or dual-use farming, which promotes sustainable land use.

Critical Policy Appraisal

Analytical Lens: UPSC Focus (Mains & Prelims)

Conceptual Basis

The legal and policy framework for wind energy in India is built upon several key pillars:

• The Electricity Act, 2003: Delicensed electricity generation and promoted non-conventional energy sources.
• National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015: Provided the foundational framework for developing the offshore wind sector.
• Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules (2023): Notified in late 2023, these rules operationalized the 2015 policy by defining the framework for leasing out sea blocks for wind projects, marking a critical step forward.

UPSC Integration: Connecting the Dots

• GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Energy federalism (coordination between Centre and coastal states), policy-making, and regulatory bodies like NIWE and CERC.
• GS Paper 3 (Economy & Infrastructure): Renewable energy infrastructure, public-private partnerships (PPP) for funding large projects, and the impact on India’s energy import bill.
• GS Paper 3 (Environment & Geography): Climate change mitigation, India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and the geographical advantages of India’s coastline.

Expert Analysis: Future Impact

The strategic push into offshore wind is a game-changer for India’s long-term energy trajectory. While onshore wind faces saturation and land constraints, offshore provides a path to utility-scale, high-capacity-factor power. This transition is not just about electricity; it is a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become a leader in the Green Hydrogen Mission, as consistent, high-volume renewable energy is the primary input. Successfully harnessing offshore wind will cement India’s status as a renewable energy superpower and ensure a sustainable and secure energy future.

Prelims Practice Question (MCQ)

Question: Which of the following is the designated nodal agency for the assessment of wind resources in India? (a) Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) (b) National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) (c) Ministry of Power (d) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)

Answer: (b) National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) Explanation: The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), based in Chennai, is an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It is the central agency responsible for wind resource assessment, testing, and certification in India.

Mains Sample Question

Question (15 Marks): While India has made significant strides in onshore wind energy, the future of its renewable ambitions lies in harnessing its vast offshore potential. Critically analyze the policy, financial, and infrastructural challenges in developing offshore wind energy in India and suggest a strategic way forward.

Mind Map Outline (Revision Structure)

• India’s Wind Energy Landscape
  • Global Standing: 4th largest installed capacity (>50 GW).
  • National Goal: Contribution to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
  • Onshore Wind Power
    • Total Potential:
      • ~695.5 GW at 120m.
      • ~1,164 GW at 150m.
    • Key Agency: National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
    • Leading States (Potential):
      • Gujarat
      • Rajasthan
      • Karnataka
      • Maharashtra
      • Andhra Pradesh
  • Offshore Wind Power
    • Estimated Potential: ~127 GW.
    • Key Regions: Coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
    • Government Targets:
      • Plan to auction 37 GW by 2030.
    • Recent Policy Support (2024):
      • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) approved.
      • ISTS charge waiver extended to June 2025.
      • First seabed lease auction process initiated in Tamil Nadu.
  • Policy Framework & Governance
    • Core Legislation:
      • Electricity Act, 2003.
      • National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015.
      • Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023.
    • Modernization Policies:
      • National Repowering and Life Extension Policy, 2023.
  • Critical Appraisal
    • Challenges:
      • Grid integration and variability.
      • High cost of offshore infrastructure.
      • Land acquisition for onshore projects.
    • Opportunities:
      • Energy security and import reduction.
      • Catalyst for the Green Hydrogen Mission.
      • ‘Make in India’ in manufacturing.