- Wind energy will play a larger role in India's clean energy mix with improved forecasting efforts
- The government collaborates with Power Ministry, CEA, and IMD to enhance wind weather forecasting
- India's wind potential is 1,160 GW, but only about 55 GW has been harnessed so far
Wind energy is set to play a larger role in India's clean energy mix as the government moves to improve forecasting and unlock the sector's vast untapped potential. Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Sarangi told NDTV Profit that the ministry is working closely with the Power Ministry, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to improve weather forecasting for wind generation.
“Wind works very well in tandem with solar,” Sarangi said, pointing out that wind generation is stronger during monsoon months and night hours, helping balance the grid when solar output dips. Wind power also has a higher capacity utilisation factor compared to solar, making it a critical pillar of round-the-clock renewable supply.
India's estimated on-shore wind energy potential stands at 1,160 GW, but only about 55 GW has been tapped so far. Better forecasting is expected to improve grid planning, reduce variability risks and encourage faster capacity addition. Offshore wind, Sarangi said, will further add to India's renewable potential over time.
Concerns around rare earth availability, which are key for certain wind turbine magnets, are not expected to derail growth. Sarangi noted that while wind turbines do require rare earths, the quantities are not large enough to create dependence on any single country. He added that sectors like electronics, chips and automobiles are far more exposed to rare earth risks than renewables.
Wind's expanded role also ties into India's broader decarbonisation strategy, including mitigating the impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Increased use of renewable power and green hydrogen could help hard-to-abate sectors like steel reduce emissions and costs, he added.
Read More: Govt Building Portal To Track India's Green Hydrogen From Production To Use
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