Wind energy sector gains momentum: Pralhad Joshi

India’s wind energy journey is gaining momentum with strong localisation, advanced manufacturing capabilities and growing global competitiveness, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Monday.

Addressing an event on Global Wind Day, Joshi stated that having components ranging from nacelles and blades to wind turbine towers and sophisticated gearboxes, the Indian industry is proving its strength across the wind energy value chain and is well-positioned to expand its footprint in global markets.

The minister also launched the WT-MARUT portal, which facilitates end-to-end tracking of wind energy components, from manufacturing facilities to project sites, ensuring robust traceability, accountability and compliance across the entire value chain.

As India’s wind energy sector continues to scale new heights, the launch of the WT-MARUT Portal marks a major step towards greater transparency, efficiency and digital integration, Joshi said.

The minister also felicitated outstanding states and industry stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of India’s wind energy sector.

Also, he released a publication and three reports covering manufacturing, project development and long-term power system planning in the wind energy sector.

During his address, the minister highlighted India’s record wind energy capacity addition, growing manufacturing strength, rising demand from data centres and export-oriented industries, and the increasing role of wind in delivering reliable and affordable clean energy.

He also called upon the industry to submit a detailed assessment on the potential for repowering ageing wind projects.

Suzlon Energy, in a statement, said that Joshi also unveiled its wind turbine powerhouse, the S175 (5 MW), following its commissioning at Vijayanagar, Karnataka.

With a 175-meter rotor, a 160-meter hybrid lattice tower, and a 247.5-meter blade tip height, the S175 accesses stronger, steadier wind layers for enhanced energy capture, the company said.

Joshi said, “Suzlon has been the pride of India for the last 30 years, consistently delivering next-generation innovations that have helped in paving the growth of the entire wind energy sector. The launch of the S175 5 MW turbine will go a long way in ensuring that we meet our wind energy ambitions - both domestically and globally. This next-generation turbine reflects India’s growing strength in advanced clean energy innovation.”

Girish Tanti, Executive Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group, said that the company’s biggest breakthrough lies not just in significantly increasing energy generation but in its ability to make previously unviable wind sites viable, expanding the wind addressable markets.