Study: Wind is way to go for India

Until 2030, wind power will key in providing energy to India's ever growing demand amid an economy which will boom.

'Indian Wind Energy Outlook' found that the technology, re-powering, untapped off-shore potential and furthering wind resource assessment could play a key part in the nation's effort to provide energy and at the same time combat climate change.

"India is already an established force in the global wind energy markets, and yet, it has the potential to achieve so much more," said Global Wind Energy Council Secretary General Steve Sawyer. "Wind energy can be deployed at a very large scale in a very short period of time. With the right support, it can make a major difference in improving India's energy independence by providing it with vast amounts of clean, indigenous energy."

The study explains how wind energy can provide up to 24 percent of India's power needs by 2030 while attracting US$10.2 billion in investment every year and creating 213,000 'green collar' jobs in manufacturing, project development, installation, operation, maintenance, consulting etc. At the same time, it would save a total of 5.5 billion tons of CO2 in that time frame.

The 'Indian Wind Energy Outlook' explores three different scenarios for wind power - a Reference scenario based on figures from the International Energy Agency; a moderate version which assumes that current policy measures and targets for renewable energy are met; and an Advanced Scenario which assumes that all policy options in favour of renewables have been adopted. These are then set against two demand projections for electricity demand.

Mr. D V Giri, Chairman, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association said, "In our rapidly growing economy, the security of energy supply is key and wind energy potential must not be wasted. Deploying wind energy at a large scale would help us to realize significant economic and environmental benefits. We now urge the government to fast track proposals to introduce a National renewable energy policy to help the industry to make this happen for India. He also added, "IWTMA plays a significant role as turnkey solution providers with 'state of the art' technology to its customers."

Mr. Arthouros Zervos, Chairman, GWEC, said, "This report demonstrates that wind technology is not a dream for the future - it is working now, and ready for tackling India's energy challenges."