India has recorded its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition of 6.05 gigawatts (GW) in the financial year 2025–26, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey.
The latest addition represents a sharp 46 per cent increase compared to the previous financial year, signalling a strong acceleration in onshore wind energy deployment. With this, India’s cumulative installed wind power capacity has surpassed 56 GW, reinforcing its position among the world’s leading wind energy markets.
The growth has been driven by a combination of policy support, improved transmission infrastructure, and a robust pipeline of projects. Key states including Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have played a major role in the capacity addition, supported by the expansion of wind-solar hybrid projects and green energy open access initiatives.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy attributed the record growth to sustained government interventions such as concessional customs duty on wind turbine components, waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges until 2028, competitive bidding mechanisms, and dedicated renewable consumption obligation frameworks for wind energy.
Technical support from the National Institute of Wind Energy has also contributed to strengthening the sector’s development and execution capabilities.
The milestone is expected to significantly boost India’s renewable energy portfolio and support its ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
India’s wind energy programme, which began in the early 1990s, has evolved into a mature and globally competitive sector, backed by a strong policy framework and growing investor confidence.
