SYLLABUS

GS-3: Infrastructure: Energy.

Context: India is hosting the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference in Goa on 15 June 2026, highlighting the country's roadmap to expand wind energy capacity, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and accelerate the clean energy transition.

Global Wind Day 2026

• India is hosting the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference in Goa. 

• Theme of 2026: "Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration." 

• The conference will focus on: 

• Resource adequacy and wind potential assessment. 
• Grid readiness and renewable energy integration. 
• Capacity addition and project execution. 
• Domestic manufacturing competitiveness. 
• Export opportunities for Indian wind turbines. 
• Forecasting and renewable energy firming technologies. 

• The industry report "Elevating India's Wind Turbine Exports for Global Markets" will be released during the event. 

About Global Wind Day

• Global Wind Day is celebrated annually on 15 June to promote awareness about wind energy and its role in combating climate change. 

• It was initially launched by the European Wind Energy Association in 2007. 

• In 2009, the Global Wind Energy Council and WindEurope expanded the initiative globally, renaming it Global Wind Day. 

• The event brings together governments, industries, communities, researchers, and civil society to promote wind energy as a clean, cost-effective, and indigenous source of power. 

• Activities include conferences, exhibitions, educational campaigns, wind farm visits, and policy dialogues. 

Current Status of Wind Energy in India

• Wind Resource Potential: India's estimated gross wind power potential is 695.5 GW at 120 metres hub height and 1,163.9 GW at 150 metres hub height. 

• Major wind-rich states include Rajasthan (284.2 GW), Gujarat (180.8 GW), Maharashtra (173.9 GW), Karnataka (169.3 GW), Andhra Pradesh (123.3 GW), Tamil Nadu (95.1 GW), Madhya Pradesh (55.4 GW), and Telangana (54.7 GW). 
• More than 900 wind-monitoring stations have been established across the country.

• Installed Capacity and Growth: India ranks 4th globally in installed wind power capacity. 

• Installed wind capacity increased from 21.04 GW (March 2014) to 56.09 GW (March 2026). 
• An additional 28 GW of wind projects are under implementation. 
• India recorded its highest-ever annual wind capacity addition of 6.05 GW in 2025–26. 
• Wind energy contributes significantly to grid stability, with nearly 45% of generation occurring during peak demand hours. 
• India aims to achieve 100 GW wind capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036.

• Manufacturing Ecosystem: Wind turbine manufacturing capacity increased from 10 GW (2014) to about 24 GW (2026). 

• The sector has achieved 70–80% indigenisation across key components.

Government Initiatives for Wind Energy Development

• The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018, promotes large grid-connected wind-solar hybrid systems for optimal utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, and land.

• The Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015 facilitates the development of offshore wind projects, focuses on offshore potential in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, and provides a framework for surveys, leasing, and project development within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• ₹6,853 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) approved for 1,000 MW of offshore wind projects, comprising 500 MW each off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

• ₹500 crore disbursed under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) Scheme during 2025–26.  

• A 500 MW pilot project launched under the Contracts for Difference (CfD). 

• CfD is a mechanism designed to reduce price volatility and provide revenue certainty to renewable energy developers.

Global Partnerships in Wind Energy

• India–United Kingdom: The India–United Kingdom Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched in February 2026 under Vision 2035 and the Fourth India–UK Energy Dialogue, focusing on market design, port infrastructure, supply chains, and blended finance.

• India–Belgium: At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, India and Belgium reaffirmed cooperation in offshore wind, research and development, and green taxonomy.

• India–Denmark: India's offshore wind cooperation with Denmark, initiated through a 2019 agreement and a renewed MoU in May 2025, includes capacity building, power system modelling, integration of variable renewable energy, and joint expert training.