From propelling sailboats across open seas to turning traditional windmills for grinding grain, wind has been used as source of power for centuries. Today, with modern turbine designs, advanced generators, and improved blade aerodynamics, wind energy plays an important role in how electricity is generated from renewable sources.
Wind energy in India
According to reports released in January 2025, India has installed a renewable energy capacity of more than 209 GW, reflecting a 15% increase compared to 180 GW in December 2023. The total capacity added during 2024 was 29 GW, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 120% from the 13 GW added in 2023.
Wind power continues to contribute to this growth. An additional 3.42 GW of wind capacity was installed in 2024, bringing total installed wind energy capacity to 48 GW, representing 7.64% increase from 2023.
India’s broader clean energy expansion is supported by initiatives such as Make in India, which encourages domestic manufacturing and reduces dependence on imports. This has contributed to growth in wind turbine production and project development, while also supporting employment across manufacturing, installation, and operations in several regions.
What are the advantages of wind energy
Wind energy is widely regarded as an important renewable power source, offering several environmental and economic benefits. Ongoing research and technological improvements continue to enhance its role in the energy mix.
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A clean source of energy
Wind energy generation does not involved combustion, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants compared to conventional fossil fuel-based power sources.
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Abundant and widely available
Wind is a naturally occurring resource that can be harnessed in many parts of the world. Wind power plants can be developed both onshore and offshore, depending on local wind conditions. Advances in turbine technology have also improved the ability to generate power in areas with moderate wind speeds.
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Cost-effective in the long run
Innovation in turbine design and manufacturing has improved efficiency. Once a wind power plant is operational, fuel costs are not a factor, and operating and maintenance costs are generally predictable over the project’s lifespan.
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Job creation and economic growth
The wind energy sector supports employment across manufacturing, installation, operations, maintenance, and research. Wind projects can also contribute to local economic activity in rural areas through infrastructure development and land lease arrangements.
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Supporting energy security
Wind energy can be harnessed domestically, which may help diversify the energy mix and reduce exposure to fuel price volatility associated with imported fossil fuels.
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Scalability and technological progress
Wind turbines can be deployed at different scales, from smaller installations to large onshore and offshore wind farms. Ongoing advancements in turbine design, digital monitoring, storage integration, and grid management continue to improve performance and system integration.
Challenges of wind
energy
Like other renewable energy resources, wind power also presents certain technical and operational challenges. Understanding these help guide improvements in system design and policy frameworks.
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Intermittency and variability
Wind speeds vary over time, which means wind turbines do not generate electricity at a constant rate. This variability can create challenges in balancing supply and demand. Energy storage, improved forecasting, grid management, and hybrid renewable energy systems are increasingly used to help address this.
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Land use and visual impact
Onshore wind farms require land, which can lead to competing land-use considerations, particularly in densely populated regions. Some communities also raise concerns about the visual impact of turbines. Offshore wind projects reduce land constraints but often involve higher installation and maintenance complexity.
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Infrastructure and grid integration
Wind power plants are often located in areas with strong wind resources, which may be distant from demand centres. This requires transmission infrastructure to deliver electricity to the grid. Integrating variable renewable energy also requires grid upgrades and advanced management systems.
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Initial capital investment
Wind projects can involve significant upfront investment in turbines, foundations, and grid connectivity. However, supportive policies, financing mechanisms, and declining technology costs are contributing to improved project variability over time.
The future of wind energy: innovations and growth
Growing energy demand and continued technological development are shaping the future of wind energy.
Key areas of progress include:
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Floating offshore wind farms – enabling wind projects in deeper waters with strong wind resources.
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Advanced energy storage systems – improving system reliability and flexibility, and help with power management during low wind periods.
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Artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance – supporting operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
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Hybrid renewable energy systems – combining wind with solar and storage for more balanced generation profiles.
Conclusion: wind energy in the energy transition
Wind energy is an important part of the global shift toward lower-carbon power systems. Its availability, economic potential, and role in diversifying the energy mix contribute to its growing adoption. While challenges such as variability and land use remain, ongoing innovation and planning continue to improve how wind power is integrated into energy systems.
Wind energy at Gentari
Gentari has entered India’s wind sector with its first co-located wind and solar project, Project Shiva, in Tamil Nadu. Project Shiva has a total capacity of 180 MW, comprising 108 MW of wind and 72 MW of solar power. Gentari is also developing an additional wind project in Karur, Tamil Nadu. These projects form part of Gentari’s broader renewable energy portfolio supporting commercial and industrial customers with integrated clean energy solutions.
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FAQs
What is the cost of setting up a wind power plant in India?
The cost for a wind power project in India varies depending on factors such as the type of turbine, technology, size, and location of the wind power plant. On average, the cost ranges between ₹6- ₹9 crores per megawatt (MW).
What are the top states in India that are best for wind energy production?
The best states for wind energy production in India include:
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Tamil Nadu
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Gujarat
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Maharashtra
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Karnataka
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Rajasthan
Is wind energy a reliable source of electricity in India?
Wind energy can be a reliable contributor to the energy mix, especially when combined with other sources and supported by grid management and storage. However, generation depends on wind availability, which varies by season and location.
What is the estimated lifespan of a wind turbine in India?
A wind turbine has a lifespan of about 20 – 25 years. With proper maintenance, some wind turbines can operate up to 30 years or more.
Does the Indian government provide any incentives for wind energy projects in India?
Yes, the Indian government provides incentives for wind energy projects, including:
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Accelerated Depreciation: Allows up to 80 per cent of the deduction in the value of wind power projects.
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Generation-based Incentives (GBI): Offers incentives based on the power units generated by wind power projects.
What are the main benefits of wind energy?
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Inexhaustible resource of energy
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Abundant in nature
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Cost-Effective in the Long Term
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Job opportunities
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Promotes Energy Independence
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Scalability and Technological Advancements