On the occasion of Earth Day, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted India's rapid expansion in wind energy production, stating that the country now ranks among the top four globally in this sector. Speaking at the 13th anniversary of the Wind Independent Power Producers Association (WIPPA), he noted the organization's emergence as a powerful voice in the energy sector over recent years.

Focusing on regional development, Joshi mentioned that India added 6.1 gigawatts of wind energy capacity in 2023-24. With over 46.1 gigawatts of installed capacity, India holds the fourth position worldwide, while an additional 28 gigawatts are currently under development. He emphasized the significant progress made annually, revealing that the previous year saw an increase from 6 gigawatts to 10 gigawatts.

Joshi pointed out that a substantial portion of India's potential remains untapped, with the wind energy capacity at a height of 150 meters estimated at 1,164 gigawatts. He stated that even utilizing just 25% of this capacity could unlock immense growth opportunities. Outlining future goals, the minister set targets of achieving 100 gigawatts by 2030 and 156 gigawatts by 2036, describing these ambitions as challenging yet attainable. He also mentioned that the organization is working towards net-zero goals, indicating that to achieve net-zero by 2070, India needs to add approximately 10 gigawatts of energy annually over the next decade.

Joshi emphasized the importance of wind energy due to its availability around the clock, contrasting it with solar energy, which is limited to daylight hours. He noted that wind energy is particularly potent during the evening and night, with about 45% of its production occurring during peak demand times. He concluded by stating that wind energy is not merely a supplementary source but a stable foundation for India's energy system, envisioning a future integrated with hybrid systems combining wind, solar, and storage solutions as the new norm.