CONTEXT

• Karnataka added 1,331.48 MW of wind energy capacity in FY 2024–25 — highest in India.
• Recognized at Global Wind Day 2025 event in Bengaluru; theme: “Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India”.

CONCEPT: UNDERSTANDING WIND ENERGY

• Wind energy is harnessed using wind turbines to convert kinetic energy into electricity.
• A key component of India’s renewable energy mix alongside solar and hydro power.
• Benefits:
  • Clean and sustainable
  • Reduces carbon emissions
  • Decentralized power generation
• Challenges:
  • Intermittency and variability
  • Transmission infrastructure needs
  • Land acquisition and ecological concerns

CURRENT  

• Karnataka’s installed wind capacity now at 7,351 MW, comparable to Sweden and Australia.
• Top wind power additions (FY 2024–25):
  • Karnataka: 1,331 MW
  • Tamil Nadu: 1,136 MW
  • Gujarat: 954 MW
• Karnataka’s Renewable Energy Policy 2022–2027:
  • Focus on repowering old turbines, digitalisation, and inclusive growth.
  • Committed to national goal of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, incl. 100 GW from wind.
• Upcoming Plans:
  • 17 GW new wind projects
  • 5 GW under Renewable Energy Cluster Programme
  • Infrastructure upgrades: 20+ new substations, 400 KV corridors, and Renewable Energy Reserve Zones
• Central Government’s Priorities :
  • Wind-Solar-Storage integration for 24/7 power
  • Tariff reduction below ₹3.90/unit
  • Boost domestic manufacturing and exports
• Release of:
  • Wind Energy Roadmap
  • Wind Manufacturing Roadmap
• India now ranks 4th globally in wind energy capacity at 51.5 GW.