India is currently exporting wind turbines and blades to various countries, including the US, Australia, Brazil, and several European nations. The National Manufacturing Mission outlined in the Union Budget for 2025-26, along with an emphasis on clean technology manufacturing, is anticipated to provide essential support to the wind energy sector, according to Girish Tanti, vice chairman of Suzlon Energy Ltd.
In a recent interview, Tanti expressed that India has the potential to emerge as a manufacturing hub for wind power components, such as turbines, to meet global demand. He emphasized that policy initiatives, particularly production-linked incentives (PLI), could significantly unlock this potential. Tanti noted that the proposed National Manufacturing Mission and the focus on clean tech manufacturing would be instrumental in bolstering the sector.
He stated, “This initiative will provide a focused approach to enhancing manufacturing in India. The wind energy sector has established a solid foundation over the past three decades, supported by nearly 2,500 MSMEs in our value chain, which is quite robust.” He added that the government’s manufacturing agenda would further facilitate growth, not just for domestic needs but also for global markets.
Tanti highlighted that while solar energy has about 20% localization, wind power projects in India boast approximately 64% local content. He pointed out that a significant portion of wind power components produced in India is exported, and he believes the country could meet 10% of the global wind energy demand by 2030. “We possess a considerable advantage in wind energy, with the necessary technology, ecosystem, manufacturing capabilities, and global recognition at both the component and finished product levels. The industry is performing well, and achieving that 10% target by 2030 is feasible,” he remarked.
Currently, India’s annual production capacity for wind turbines stands at around 18 gigawatts. Tanti underscored the importance of government fiscal support to further enhance domestic manufacturing in the wind energy sector, advocating for an incentive program for wind power components similar to the existing PLI scheme for solar modules, cells, and wafers. He stressed the need to sustain and support the already robust wind ecosystem, aiming to maintain the current 64% local content.
