India has achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition of 6.05 GW in FY 2025-26, marking a nearly 46% jump over the previous fiscal year, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. As reported by The Economic Times, this milestone represents a decisive acceleration in India's onshore wind deployment trajectory, crossing the landmark of 5.5 GW capacity addition in FY 2016-17. With the latest addition, India's cumulative installed wind power capacity has crossed 56 GW, reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading wind energy markets. The ministry attributed this record addition to improved policy clarity, transmission readiness, competitive tariff discovery, and a strong project pipeline, highlighting the strategic importance of these factors in driving sector momentum.
The growth was primarily led by states such as Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, which were the primary contributors during the year, according to the ministry statement. These states have been underpinned by a growing pipeline of wind-solar hybrid projects and the progressive roll-out of green energy open access. The government attributed this record addition to sustained policy support, improved project execution, and greater pipeline maturity across key wind states, with the achievement reflecting the renewed momentum in the sector driven by improved policy clarity, transmission readiness, competitive tariff discovery, and a strong project pipeline. India's wind energy sector has grown steadily, making India one of the leading wind energy markets globally, with the government's initiatives including concessional customs duty on certain components and raw materials used in the manufacturing of wind turbines.
The ministry highlighted several measures taken to promote the wind energy sector, including concessional customs duty on select components, waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges till June 2028, competitive bidding mechanisms and a separate Wind Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) framework. As reported by The Economic Times, these policy interventions have contributed to the sector's growth and strengthened India's renewable energy portfolio. The government has also provided technical support from the National Institute of Wind Energy, with these initiatives helping reduce costs, improve investor confidence, and accelerate project pipelines. India's wind energy programme was initiated in the early 1990s as part of the government's broader renewable energy strategy, with the country developing a strong wind energy ecosystem and robust policy framework over the past three decades.
This milestone significantly 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, according to the ministry statement. Wind energy remains a critical component of this target, complementing solar power and supporting grid stability through diversified generation sources. The FY26 milestone not only marks a record year but also signals a structural turnaround, positioning wind energy as a key pillar in India's transition toward a low-carbon, energy-secure future. With hybrid projects, storage integration, and improved transmission networks gaining traction, India's wind sector is poised for sustained growth in the coming years, supported by stronger transmission infrastructure and a robust and maturing project pipeline.
