India’s wind capacity is projected to double to 107 GW by 2030, boosting its renewable energy goals. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Global Wind Energy Council forecasted India’s wind capacity to reach 107 GW by 2030, surpassing the government’s 100 GW target, to support its energy transition.
India’s expanding wind capacity strengthens South Asia’s role in the global clean energy transition, fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in the region.
India’s Wind Capacity Set to Double
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) released its report, Wind at the Core: Driving India’s Green Ambitions and International Influence, projecting that India’s installed wind capacity will more than double from 51 GW to 107 GW by 2030. Launched in New Delhi in the presence of New & Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, the report aligns with India’s state-level Resource Adequacy Plans (RAP). This growth supports India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
Economic and Employment Benefits
Scaling India’s wind capacity to 107 GW could create significant economic opportunities. The GWEC report estimates that annual installations of 15 GW could generate 154,000 jobs, while 8 GW annually could create 116,000 jobs and reduce costs by 10%. India’s manufacturing capacity has already grown from 12 GW in 2022 to 20 GW in 2024, positioning it as the world’s third-largest wind equipment manufacturing hub, capable of meeting 10% of global demand. Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, stated, “Scaling India’s wind capacity to over 100 GW by 2030 can unlock economic growth, manufacturing expansion, and wider energy access.”
Policy and Infrastructure Support
The report highlights the need for policy reforms to achieve this ambitious target. Strengthening Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance, addressing grid bottlenecks, and aligning bidding processes with state-level power needs are critical. India is committed to installing 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, with wind contributing nearly a quarter of the renewable mix. Other organisations, including NREL, IEA, WRI, and Lawrence Berkeley, suggest India could aim for an even higher wind capacity of 121–164 GW by 2030 if these measures are implemented effectively.
Challenges in Scaling Wind Capacity
Despite the optimistic outlook, India faces challenges in realising its full wind potential, estimated at 1,164 GW, of which only 4.5% has been tapped. Grid infrastructure lags behind renewable installations, with the Central Electricity Authority planning to expand grid capacity to 111 GW by 2030. Import dependency for components like bearings and gearboxes, primarily from China, also increases costs, making Indian turbines 30–60% more expensive than Chinese counterparts.
India’s Role in Global Wind Energy
India’s wind sector is poised to play a pivotal role globally, with the GWEC report noting that renewables, including wind, will supply nearly half of global electricity by 2030, with wind contributing 20–25%. Girish Tanti, Chairman of GWEC India and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, said, “India is poised to mirror this trajectory, doubling its wind capacity to 100 GW and scaling up to 452 GW by 2050.” The country’s strategic focus on wind energy complements its broader renewable energy goals, including solar and green hydrogen initiatives.
Background
India’s wind energy sector has grown steadily, reaching 51 GW by May 2025, making it the fourth-largest wind energy market globally. States like Gujarat (12,677 MW), Tamil Nadu (11,739 MW), and Karnataka (7,351 MW) lead in capacity additions. The government’s National Electricity Plan initially targeted 140 GW by 2030, but recent projections have adjusted to 122 GW by 2031–32, with GWEC’s 107 GW forecast aligning closely with state-level plans. Challenges such as land allocation, delayed payments, and rising turbine costs due to commodity price inflation have slowed progress, necessitating urgent policy interventions.
What’s Next
India’s wind capacity expansion will depend on sustained policy support and infrastructure upgrades. Continued investment in domestic manufacturing and grid enhancements will be crucial to achieving the 107 GW target and solidifying India’s position in the global wind energy market.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 28th, 2025
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