India has achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition of 6.05 GW during FY 2025-26, marking a sharp acceleration in the country’s onshore wind deployment.
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, this surpasses the previous high of 5.5 GW recorded in FY 2016-17 and represents an increase of nearly 46% over the capacity added in FY 2024-25.
With this addition, India’s cumulative installed wind power capacity has crossed 56 GW, reflecting renewed momentum in the sector driven by improved policy clarity, transmission readiness, competitive tariff discovery and a strong project pipeline, the ministry said.
The ministry added that the milestone is the result of sustained policy support, improved project execution and greater pipeline maturity across key wind states.
States such as Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra were the primary contributors to capacity addition during the year, supported by a growing pipeline of wind-solar hybrid projects and the progressive roll-out of green energy open access.
India’s wind energy sector has developed steadily over the years, making the country one of the leading wind energy markets globally.
The ministry has said that the government has taken several initiatives to promote the sector including Concessional Custom Duty on certain components and raw materials used in manufacturing of wind turbines, graded Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges till June, 2028, competitive bidding mechanisms, separate Wind Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) frameworks, technical support from National Institute of Wind Energy.
The record capacity addition strengthens India’s renewable energy portfolio and contributes towards achieving the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
India’s wind energy programme, initiated in the early 1990s, has evolved into a robust ecosystem supported by a comprehensive policy framework for grid-connected wind power development.
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