India Sets Record with 6.1 GW Wind Capacity Addition in 2025–26, Targets 156 GW by 2036

India has achieved its highest-ever annual growth in wind energy, adding a record 6.1 GW of capacity during 2025–26, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced while addressing the Foundation Day event of the Wind Independent Power Producers Association (WIPPA).

The Minister said that India currently ranks fourth globally in wind energy, with an installed capacity of 56.1 GW and an additional 28 GW under implementation, reflecting strong project pipeline momentum in the sector.

Highlighting the long-term vision, Joshi stated that India is targeting 100 GW of wind power capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036, which will significantly contribute to the country’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070. He also pointed out that India’s wind energy potential at 150 metres hub height is estimated at around 1164 GW, indicating substantial untapped capacity.

The Minister emphasised the critical role of wind energy in balancing India’s power system, noting that nearly 45 percent of wind generation occurs during peak demand hours, particularly in the evening and night, when electricity demand is high. This makes wind a key complement to solar energy in ensuring grid stability.

On the manufacturing front, Joshi said that India has developed a strong domestic ecosystem with an annual wind equipment manufacturing capacity of over 24 GW, along with 70–80 percent indigenisation levels across key components such as blades, towers, and gearboxes.

He further highlighted that the government has introduced several policy measures to strengthen the sector, including a dedicated wind component under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) to ensure demand visibility, enforcement of Late Payment Surcharge rules, transparent bidding frameworks, and implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to boost investor confidence and domestic manufacturing.

Addressing industry concerns, the Minister said that the government is actively examining the release of additional wind energy tenders and is promoting hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy projects to improve grid efficiency. Issues such as Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) penalties, curtailment challenges, and transmission delays are also under review to ensure balanced and practical solutions.

Joshi also outlined ongoing reforms such as Green Energy Open Access rules, enabling industries to directly procure renewable power, along with initiatives for repowering ageing wind turbines and expanding transmission infrastructure under the Green Energy Corridor programme.

To support long-term investment, the government is working on innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance and credit enhancement frameworks to reduce capital costs. He also noted the launch of a 500 MW pilot project under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) model, designed to provide revenue stability and improve market predictability for developers.The Minister said that India’s evolving global position presents a strategic opportunity to become a trusted manufacturing and supply chain hub for wind energy equipment, especially as global economies diversify sourcing.

Concluding his address, Joshi said that achieving the 156 GW wind capacity target by 2036 is well within reach, supported by strong policy direction, institutional backing, and active industry participation. He stressed the need for greater focus on integrated renewable systems combining wind, solar, and storage to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.

The event was also attended by MNRE Secretary Santosh Sarangi and senior officials from the ministry.