India’s Wind Power Capacity Could Exceed 250 GW by 2035, Says Suzlon’s Girish Tanti

India is poised to expand its wind power capacity far beyond the current government ambitions, with projections indicating the country might achieve more than 250 gigawatts (GW) by 2035. This forecast comes from Girish Tanti, cofounder and vice-chairman of the Suzlon Group, a leading player in the Indian wind energy sector.

At present, the official target set by the Indian government stands at 155 GW for 2035. However, Tanti suggests that this figure is likely to be revised upward soon, citing strong electricity demand growth, readiness in supply chains, and the natural suitability of wind power within India’s overall energy load profile. "While the current target for 2035 is 155 GW, I expect this target to soon be revised upwards to about 250 GW by the government," he stated.

The increase in demand for wind energy is influenced by multiple factors. According to annual demand projections from various Indian states, wind energy demand alone is anticipated to reach approximately 147 GW by 2035. Additionally, when factoring in an estimated 100 GW of demand from the commercial and industrial (C&I) open-access market, total wind energy requirements could approach 250 GW.

A recent government study supports this expansion, identifying that following a least-cost pathway by adding 93 GW of wind capacity to push total capacity toward 250 GW could result in savings of roughly ₹2 trillion in import costs. This financial incentive adds weight to the argument for scaling up wind power targets.

The industry’s progress toward interim targets is equally encouraging. India is on track to meet its 100 GW wind capacity goal by 2030. Currently, about 59 GW of wind projects have been completed, 29 GW are bid out and under execution, and another 15 GW are under construction specifically for the open-access C&I market. These figures collectively exceed the 100 GW milestone, indicating that this target is effectively secured.

Beyond expanding domestic capacity, Suzlon envisions India becoming a significant hub in the global wind turbine supply chain. Exports from India are expected to grow, targeting regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and the broader Global South. Improving trade relations, including those between India and the United States, are anticipated to open additional export opportunities. Currently, wind power is utilized by approximately 133 countries worldwide, presenting a substantial market for Indian manufacturers.

One challenge the sector faces relates to transmission infrastructure. Historically, transmission networks were developed with conventional power projects in mind, which have longer gestation periods—typically around four years. Renewable energy projects like wind and solar have much shorter setup times, ranging from 18 to 36 months, creating a mismatch between grid readiness and project completion.

Efforts by the government are underway to close this gap. Tanti notes that in the next 18 to 24 months, the buildout of grid infrastructure will better align with renewable project timelines. Compared to developed countries where grid waiting periods can be four to six years, India’s current three to four-year cycle is relatively favorable and is expected to improve further.

On the manufacturing front, India currently has an annual production capacity of approximately 28 to 29 GW for wind turbines and components. This capacity is well above the estimated 8 GW of wind installations expected this year. Looking ahead, annual installations could rise to 13.5 GW by 2030 as the industry scales up.

India’s wind energy potential remains substantial, with onshore wind resources estimated at about 1.1 terawatts (TW). This untapped capacity offers a strong foundation for the country to enhance its renewable energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

In summary, India’s wind energy sector is set for significant growth. With anticipated government target revisions, accelerating project execution, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and improving transmission infrastructure, the country is likely to establish itself as a leading global wind power market over the next decade and beyond.