India Looks to 89,000 Megawatts of Installed Wind Capacity by 2020

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--India's wind energy project pipeline could soon add 5,000 megawatts (MW) annually to the national grid supply, as the country struggles to close the power deficit gap.

According to a report titled "India Wind Energy Outlook," the country could have 89,000 MW of installed wind power capacity by 2020. Currently, the installed capacity stands at 18,000 MW. This increase in capacity would attract about $16.5 billion in annual investment into the sector and create 179,000 new jobs. By 2030, installed capacity could reach 191,000 MW.

"India's wind power sector has a mature manufacturing industry," said Steve Sawyer, the secretary general of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) (Brussels, Belgium). "Now we need to get the right policies in place, both nationally and at the state level, for India to meet its target of 15% renewable-sourced electricity supply by 2020.

"Power shortages and energy security are both critical issues for India's rapidly growing economy. Wind is already cost-competitive with heavily subsidized fossil fuel-based energy in several Indian states, and its competitive position will only improve over time. But we need effective national energy policy, coordination with states, and investments in the grid and policy stability for wind power to fulfill its potential in India."

In 2011, India was the third-largest wind power market globally, after China and the U.S., and fifth in overall installed capacity. The reports show that India's potential for wind power development is as high as 400,000 MW, and could be higher if the potential of offshore wind and repowering are fully exploited.

The report was prepared by three bodies:

• The World Institute of Sustainable Energy (Pune, Maharashtra), a not-for-profit institute that has piloted a model renewable energy law for India and proposed a roadmap for generation-based incentives for wind and solar power.
• The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (Alwapet, Chennai), which provides a single contact point for policy makers, regulators and utilities at the national and state level, and is a founding g member of GWEC.
• Members of GWEC represent more than 1,500 companies, organizations and institutions in more than 70 countries, representing all facets of the wind energy sector. GWEC works with international bodies and institutions at the highest level, representing the interests of the wind industry.

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