Indian Scenario of Wind Energy: Problems and Solutions

For developing countries like India, wind turbines offer an attractive source for power production. The country's current generating capacity is about 105,000 MW (as of March 31, 2001), but this needs to be doubled in the next 10–15 years to meet a situation of “power on demand”. Both central and state agencies, various private and public sector companies are now considering the installation of wind farm projects for power generation. Wind farm projects with a capacity of 990 MW have already been installed by private companies for power generation. As a result of the initiatives taken by the government to promote wind energy, different states are now supporting the wind power companies and investors with liberal policy initiatives, though there are minor irritants that have to be sorted out. The government has taken some recent measures to eradicate these irritants and to promote wind power in India. This article reviews current Indian status of wind energy, the various hindrances in its smooth development, the initiatives taken by the government to remove them, and future development prospects of wind energy in India.