Why in the news?
India will host the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference on 15 June 2026 in Goa under the theme “Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration.”
About Global Wind Day
- Celebrated annually on 15 June.
- Promotes awareness about wind energy and its role in addressing climate change.
India’s Wind Energy Status
- India ranks 4th globally in installed wind power capacity.
- Installed capacity increased from 21.04 GW (2014) to 56.09 GW (March 2026).
- An additional 28 GW is under implementation.
- Record addition of 6.05 GW was achieved in 2025-26.
Wind Resource Potential
- Estimated potential:
- 695.5 GW at 120 m hub height.
- 1,163.9 GW at 150 m hub height.
- Rajasthan has the highest assessed potential.
- Over 900 wind-monitoring stations have been installed across India.
Manufacturing Highlights
- Wind turbine manufacturing capacity increased to 24 GW.
- The sector has achieved 70-80% indigenisation.
- Strong domestic supply chains exist for blades, towers, and gearboxes.
Key Government Initiatives
- ₹6,853 crore VGF approved for 1,000 MW offshore wind projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- ₹500 crore disbursed under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) Scheme in 2025-26.
- 500 MW Contracts for Difference (CfD) pilot project launched.
- Dedicated Wind Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) introduced.
- Green Energy Open Access Rules notified.
- Promotion of Hybrid and Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable projects.
International Cooperation
- India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in 2026.
- Cooperation with Belgium focuses on offshore wind and R&D.
- Offshore wind partnership with Denmark, initiated in 2019, was renewed in 2025.
[2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’:
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] I and II only
[B] I and III only
[C] II and III only
[D] I, II and III