PIB Summary - 16th June 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Wind Energy is at the Centre of India’s strategy for the renewable energy sector : Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi

Event Context

• Occasion: Global Wind Day, celebrated on 15th June annually.
• Location: Bengaluru.
• Organized by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Relevance: GS 3 (Renewable Energy)

India’s Wind Energy Vision

• Wind energy is a crucial part of India's renewable energy policy.
• India has set ambitious targets:
  • 50% of power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
  • Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Wind energy is at the core of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the energy sector.

Prime Minister’s Vision Highlighted

• Emphasizes using renewable energy for manufacturing and conventional energy for households.
• Supports India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub powered by green energy.

India’s Global Standing

• 4th largest in the world for wind power installed capacity.
• 3rd largest renewable energy producer globally.
• India manufactures wind turbines ranging from 225 kW to 5.2 MW through 14 companies and 33 models, competing effectively in global markets.

Key Challenges Identified

• Integration: Need to integrate wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for reliable 24/7 green power.
• Tariff reduction: The current cost of ₹3.90 per unit is considered high, necessitating tariff rationalization.
• Manufacturing efficiency: Improving manufacturing efficiency is crucial to meet domestic targets and boost exports.

Five National Priorities in Wind Energy

• Expand into new states: Focus on wind energy expansion in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
• Offshore wind: Identify and develop offshore wind leasing areas, with 4 GW leasing areas already identified in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• Firm green power strategies: Develop storage-linked models to ensure reliable green power supply.
• Modern grid: Invest in advanced grid infrastructure, including AI-based forecasting, to manage power intermittency.
• Boost domestic manufacturing: Focus on strengthening the entire value chain of domestic manufacturing, including turbines, blades, and other components.

Policy and Financial Support

• 53% increase in the renewable energy budget: The budget for renewable energy has been increased to ₹26,549 crore.
• Major portion directed to wind sector:. significant part of the budget is allocated to the wind energy sector.
• Emphasis on land acquisition and grid transmission: These are identified as critical bottlenecks that need to be addressed for the growth of the wind energy sector.

Reports Released

• Wind Energy Roadmap
• Wind Manufacturing Roadmap

These reports provide strategic frameworks and guidelines for the future development of the wind energy sector in India.

State Performers in Wind Capacity Addition (2024-25)

• Karnataka: 1331.48 MW (Rank 1)
• Tamil Nadu: 1136.37 MW (Rank 2)
• Gujarat: 954.76 MW (Rank 3)

Significance of Global Wind Day

• Celebrates the global progress made in wind energy.
• Brings together various stakeholders, including DISCOMs (Distribution Companies), CPSUs (Central Public Sector Undertakings), manufacturers, academia, and think tanks to discuss and promote wind energy.
• Organized with support from:WIPPA (Wind Independent Power Producers Association), IWTMA (Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association), IWPA (Indian Wind Power Association).

Takeaway

•  India is positioning wind energy as a fundamental part of its green industrial revolution. The focus is on making tariffs affordable, improving manufacturing efficiency, and developing hybrid storage solutions. 
• With strong government support, wind energy is seen as crucial for achieving India’s climate goals, energy security, and economic leadership.