A sub group of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has, in its report on wind power, highlighted the various issues and challenges faced by the sector in the country.
- The total capacity, as of March 2001, was 14,057 MW, and a decade later, by the end of March 2011, a total of 7,063 MW has been added during the first four years of the current 11th five year plan.
- According to the Ministry, wind power development is focused only in 5 wind resource rich states, with around 42% of the total capacity in Tamil Nadu (5,904 MW) followed by Maharashtra (2,316 MW), Gujarat (2,176 MW, Karnataka (1,726 MW) and Rajasthan (1,525 MW).
- As per MNRE, an estimated 15 GW may be further added in the 12th plan period, considering a conservative scenario where there is no major change in policy direction. However, in a policy induced scenario, where the government doles out subsidy or introduces tax benefits etc., the target addition comes out to be 20 GW. Finally, for an aggressive sketch which assumes a technological breakthrough in combination with policy inducements, the Ministry has calculated an addition of 25 GW.
- Out of a total installed capacity of about 175 GW, renewable energy accounts for approximately 9%, or 14 GW. By government estimates, the figure is expected to double over the next year or so. Wind energy, with its favorable cost economics, contributes nearly 70% of that and has exhibited exponential growth over the past few years. At present, India ranks fifth worldwide in terms of installed wind capacity, but, as of 2009-10, has the highest growth rate in terms of new installations.
- It may be noted that Nearly 65% of India’s energy needs are met through thermal, non-renewable energy. However, at least on the surface, there appears to be a shift towards clean, renewable energy the world over, and India is no exception. The renewable energy sector is taking huge strides in the country, with policy assistance and intent of the Indian state towards ‘green energy’.
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