Empowering India's Journey to Net-Zero through Wind Energy

India's wind energy journey has witnessed a transformative policy shift, transitioning from reverse auctions to closed bidding. This change has breathed new life into wind energy installations, which had slowed down after the introduction of reverse auctions in 2017.

September 21, 2023. By News Bureau

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India's relentless pursuit of a sustainable and cleaner energy landscape has taken a significant leap towards its aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Currently, the country has 42 percent of its installed capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources and making rapid strides toward reaching the target of 50 percent by 2030. There is a remarkable growth in wind energy, with capacity surging two-fold from 21 GW in 2014 to an impressive 42.6 GW, making India the fourth-largest market for installed wind capacity globally.

Government's Policy Prowess Unleashing the Winds of Change

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) made a momentous announcement, paving the way for a crucial transition in India's energy landscape. The government plans to auction 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually for the next five years, starting from FY24. This demonstrates the government's ambitious commitment towards assiduously ramping up renewable energy capacity and guiding India towards achieving energy independence in the AmritKaal.

The introduction of Renewable Purchase Obligation and energy storage obligations has further created a conducive environment for promoting and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy in the energy mix. The government mandates that 24.61 percent of the energy consumption in a distribution company's area should be sourced from renewable sources. A significant victory for the wind energy sector is that, for the first time, the RPO has made it mandatory for discoms to incorporate wind energy into their power mix.

Such progressive policy interventions present a transformative opportunity for India to harness wind energy as a cornerstone of its net-zero goal. By embracing wind power on a larger scale, India can make significant strides toward achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Fuelling India’s Green Hydrogen Revolution with Wind Energy

Green Hydrogen stands as a definitive game-changer in accelerating the path toward achieving net-zero emissions. Its production hinges on a consistent supply of renewable energy, creating a symbiotic relationship that galvanises the progress on climate targets.

As India embarks on its energy transition journey, the demand for green hydrogen is poised to surge, further boosting the renewable energy sector. The core of this shift is centred around the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which positions India to become a prominent player in the global market for exporting environmentally friendly hydrogen. This presents a timely opportunity to invest in new wind farms and cutting-edge technologies.

Amid peak periods of surplus wind energy generation, the excess electricity can be harnessed to produce green hydrogen. The hydrogen so produced can subsequently be stored and converted back into electricity as and when required. This process not only aids in grid balance during sudden spikes in electricity demand but also offers an effective way to integrate electrolysers with wind farms. These electrolysers can efficiently divert excess electricity to produce green hydrogen, enhancing overall energy system flexibility.

Growing Investments in the Renewable Energy Sector

India's wind energy journey has witnessed a transformative policy shift, transitioning from reverse auctions to closed bidding. This change has breathed new life into wind energy installations, which had slowed down after the introduction of reverse auctions in 2017. The renewed approach aims to allocate 8 GW of projects annually until 2030, significantly accelerating the energy transition journey for India's eight windy states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and more.

The Indian government has also announced that it will issue tenders for the installation of 250 GW of green energy capacity by March 2028. This move is expected to bolster India’s climate goals of reducing emissions by 45 percent from 2005 levels and promoting sustainable development. Power Minister RK Singh encourages industry players to seize this golden opportunity fully, providing ample time to strategize finances and efficiently manage supply chains. It is the right time for the private sector to play an indomitable part in accelerating India’s decarbonisation.

Some Looming Challenges

Land acquisition remains a key challenge in expanding renewable energy infrastructure. As the demand for wind energy grows, it will become increasingly important for State governments to allocate land for wind farms in a timely and efficient manner. In this regard, the Central government is planning to introduce a scheme around renewable energy parks for easing the process of developing solar, wind, and biomass plants.

Enabling policies that promote the establishment of renewable energy parks can significantly streamline paperwork, reduce the need for numerous approvals, and foster the development of specialized zones with well-built infrastructure, essential amenities, and minimized risks.

Coastal states in the South, along with Gujarat and Rajasthan, offer ample opportunities for co-locating solar and wind power plants. Some solar parks already incorporate wind turbines, capitalising on abundant wind energy potential. Moreover, in states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the combination of biomass energy production and solar photovoltaic cells can be explored for greater renewable energy utilization. Embracing a new energy landscape requires us to adopt a fresh perspective like this.

There is abundant scope and opportunity for the Indian new energy sector to grow by leaps and bounds. While the country has taken giant steps in the last decade, it is critical to keep up the momentum. Collaborative spirit and innovative policy interventions are set to accelerate India’s decarbonisation and energy transition journey. With wind energy playing a pivotal role, India moves closer to its vision of a sustainable and net-zero future.

- RPV Prasad, CEO, Envision Wind Power Technologies India