India Achieves Highest-Ever Wind Capacity Addition of 6.05 GW in FY26

New Delhi, Apr 7 (KNN) India has achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition of 6.05 gigawatt (GW) in financial year 2025–26, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey.

As per the official data, the latest addition surpasses the previous record of 5.5 GW achieved in FY 2016–17 and represents a sharp increase of nearly 46 per cent over FY 2024–25. 

With this, India’s cumulative installed wind power capacity has crossed 56 GW, reflecting renewed momentum in the sector driven by improved policy clarity, enhanced transmission infrastructure, competitive tariff discovery and a robust project pipeline.

The growth has been led by key wind-rich states such as Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, supported by increasing deployment of wind-solar hybrid projects and the progressive rollout of green energy open access.

India’s wind energy sector has evolved steadily over the years, positioning the country among the leading global wind energy markets. 

The expansion has been supported by a range of government initiatives, including concessional customs duty on key components, waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges till June 2028, competitive bidding mechanisms, dedicated Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) frameworks, and technical support from the National Institute of Wind Energy.

The record capacity addition is expected to significantly strengthen India’s renewable energy portfolio and support its target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

India’s wind energy programme, initiated in the early 1990s, has since developed into a mature ecosystem backed by a strong policy framework aimed at promoting large-scale grid-connected wind power projects.

(KNN Bureau)