In News:

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), in its Global Wind Report 2025, has warned that current global wind energy growth is insufficient to meet the targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and net-zero emissions by 2050. As per the report, at current trends, only 77% of the wind capacity required by 2030 will be achieved — putting the 1.5°C global warming limit at serious risk.

Global Wind Energy Landscape (as of 2024)

• New Capacity Added: 117 GW (up from 116.6 GW in 2023)
• Total Global Capacity: 1,136 GW
• Leading Countries:
  • China: 70% of new installations
  • USA, Brazil, India, and Germany followed.
• Emerging Markets: Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showed significant growth.
• Regional Progress:
  • Africa and Middle East: Onshore wind capacity doubled compared to previous years.
  • Offshore Wind: Only 8 GW added (down 26% from 2023), the lowest since 2021.

Key Challenges Identified by GWEC

• Policy Uncertainty: Regulatory delays and instability in key markets.
• Grid Infrastructure Deficits: Underinvestment in transmission and distribution systems.
• Financial Constraints: Inflation, high interest rates, trade protectionism.
• Market Inefficiencies: Weak renewable energy auction systems.

Global Commitments & Urgency

• At COP28 (Dubai), countries pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• To align with this goal, annual wind installations must rise to 320 GW by 2030.
• Failure to scale up urgently risks missing a vital climate mitigation window.

Wind Energy in India – Status and Prospects (as of March 2025)

• Total Installed Capacity: 50.04 GW
• Capacity Added (FY 2024–25): 4.15 GW
  • (Up from 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24)
• Global Rank: 4th largest wind power producer (after China, USA, Germany)
• Top States:
  • Gujarat
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Karnataka
• Manufacturing Strength: Domestic wind turbine manufacturing capacity is ~18,000 MW/year.
• Offshore Wind Potential:
  • Gujarat: 36 GW
  • Tamil Nadu: 35 GW