WIND ENERGY AND ITS ROLE IN ACHIEVING NETZERO TARGETS
Achieving net-zero targets is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and wind energy is emerging as a critical enabler in this transition. Unlike fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases, wind power offers a clean and abundant resource that can be scaled rapidly. As of early 2025, India has already installed over 50 GW of wind energy capacity, and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) aims to double this to 100 GW by 2030. This progress signals more than capacity growth; it reflects a structural shift in India’s energy strategy toward sustainability. With wind-rich states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka leading development, and companies like Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited (JIRE) actively investing in hybrid systems and storage solutions, wind energy is positioned as a cornerstone of India’s net-zero roadmap.
WHY WIND MATTERS FOR NET‑ZERO Wind energy addresses several decarbonisation priorities: It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal. It offsets imported fossil fuels and improves energy security. Combined with storage, it helps maintain grid stability and reduces reliance on non‑renewable backup. It enables cleaner industrial and commercial power generation. For a populous and growing economy like India, where energy demand and emissions both rise, wind energy offers a viable, scalable solution to meet power needs sustainably.
OFFSHORE AND FLOATING WIND FARM 1.
Wind energy captures the power of the wind to generate renewable electricity. Onshore and offshore wind farms generate power by spinning wind turbine blades. These turbines convert the kinetic energy of the spinning blades into electric energy, providing a sustainable energy source.
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Advancements in turbine technology, such as taller towers, longer blades, and smarter control systems, are enabling higher efficiency per unit of land, a key benefit in landconstrained India.
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Moreover, offshore wind and floating turbine farms are set to open deeper waters off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to development in the coming years.
WIND ENERGY IN INDIA: KEY TO NET‑ZERO AMBITIONS 1.
India is charting a course toward its net‑zero goals with wind energy at the core of its efforts. Wind turbines harness kinetic energy from air currents, turning breezes into clean electricity with minimal emissions. India ranks fourth globally in wind power capacity, thanks to strong wind zones in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
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The operational costs of wind energy are notably low once turbines are installed, and the consistent output helps stabilise energy prices over time. As fossil fuels phase out, wind energy offers a scalable, cost-effective avenue for decarbonisation.
POLICY SUPPORT AND GROWTH DRIVERS 1.
Wind‑Solar Hybrid Policy and Green Energy Corridor initiatives further support the integration and transmission of wind-generated electricity across regions.
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The private sector plays a pivotal role. Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited (JIRE) has entered the wind energy sector through strategic investment and exploration, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the sector.
CONCLUSION
Wind energy is no longer a peripheral contributor; it is at the heart of India’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions. This sector delivers multiple benefits: reducing dependency on fossil fuels, cutting emissions, and enhancing energy security. With advances in turbine technology, hybrid renewable projects, and large-scale energy storage solutions, wind energy promises reliable and costeffective green power for decades to come. Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited (JIRE) is reinforcing this shift through strategic investments and integrated solutions that combine wind, solar, and battery storage, ensuring continuity and resilience in renewable supply. The road to net zero will demand collaboration between government, industry, and innovators, and wind energy will remain a pivotal force shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for India.
