The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates a total wind energy potential of 302 Gigawatts (GW) at a hub height of 100 meters above ground, which more than doubles to over 695 GW at a hub height of 120 meters in India. In addition, India has a potential of 174 GW of offshore wind resources.

Even though there is a high potential for the wind industry in India, installations have slowed. For instance, the wind project activity in 2021 was lower than expected as only 1.45 GW of wind capacity was installed. Further, the total installed capacity in India is 39.25 GW, which is just a proportion of the above-mentioned wind energy potential.

The reasons behind the untapped wind energy potential in India include the following:

• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The slowdown in tapping the potential has been attributed to delays during the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain constraints.
• Concentration of resource potential: The concentration of resource potential centered around a few sub-stations in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu has sent land prices soaring manifold, making it the single biggest component of a wind energy project.
• Gap between wind and solar energy: The cost of solar-based power has continued to decline, creating a wider gap between electricity generated from wind and solar energy. This has resulted in delays in signing power supply agreements for already auctioned projects.
• Delays in land acquisition: Installation of onshore wind turbines requires large tracts of open land and has on occasion, been met with resistance from local communities.
• Financing offshore projects: According to the Standing Committee on Energy, it is estimated that the per megawatt cost of the offshore wind turbine would be two to three times the cost of onshore wind turbines. Thus, it will be difficult to finance offshore projects.

Steps to address the above-mentioned impediments include:

• Centre-state coordination: The Central and state governments must enhance consensus and co- ordination among various government agencies. It can lead to clarification about project targets and procurement schedules, balancing of grids as well as composition and conditions for new tenders.
• Technology: There should be development of a technology exchange programme and alignment of the Indian manufacturing base with the global wind supply chain to create export-oriented opportunities.
• Overcoming legacy issues: Legacy challenges that have impeded wind energy development, including DISCOM payments and risks, inadequate grid, and transmission infrastructure and changing state land policies hindering land acquisition should be addressed urgently.
• Offshore wind power: As part of the 37 GW offshore wind tender trajectory, plans need to be implemented to absorb capacities added by the government. Also, there should be development of offshore wind roadmaps that can take advantage of the massive potential in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

India is ramping up its efforts to decarbonize its economy with its commitment to turn Net Zero by 2070 and meet its updated nationally determined contributions (NDC) of getting 50 percent installed energy capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. To this end, investing in renewable sources of energy. particularly wind energy, is crucial.