π Topic 02 of 6 Β· Chapter 09 Β· Renewable Energy Technology
Wind Energy Technology in India
Onshore offshore wind, Muppandal, India 4th largest wind producer β complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
π¨ Wind Energy β How it Works
- Wind turbines convert kinetic energy of wind into electricity
- Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) β most common; blades rotate around horizontal axis
- Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) β blades rotate around vertical axis; less common
- Wind speed must be at least 3-4 m/s to generate electricity; optimal 12-15 m/s
- Capacity Factor β wind turbines operate at ~25-35% of rated capacity on average
π¨ India’s Wind Energy
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | 4th largest wind power producer in world |
| Installed Capacity | ~45 GW (2024); target = 140 GW by 2030 |
| Largest Wind State | Tamil Nadu (highest wind energy production) |
| Largest Wind Farm | Muppandal Wind Farm, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
| Other Major States | Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
| Offshore Wind | Under development; Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts; target 30 GW by 2030 |
π¨ Onshore vs Offshore Wind
- Onshore Wind β on land; cheaper; easier to install and maintain; India’s current focus
- Offshore Wind β in sea; higher wind speeds; more consistent; more expensive; India exploring
- Offshore wind turbines can be 3-4Γ more productive than onshore
- India’s first offshore wind project planned off Gujarat coast
β Key Facts:
β’ India = 4th largest wind power producer; target = 140 GW by 2030
β’ Muppandal (Tamil Nadu) = largest wind farm in India
β’ Tamil Nadu = largest wind energy state
β’ Jaisalmer Wind Park (Rajasthan) = one of India’s largest wind farms
β’ Offshore wind = higher speeds = more productive = India exploring
β’ India = 4th largest wind power producer; target = 140 GW by 2030
β’ Muppandal (Tamil Nadu) = largest wind farm in India
β’ Tamil Nadu = largest wind energy state
β’ Jaisalmer Wind Park (Rajasthan) = one of India’s largest wind farms
β’ Offshore wind = higher speeds = more productive = India exploring