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Why India Needs Wind Power Despite Massive Solar Capacity
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Moneycontrol•16-10-2026, 16:06
Why India Needs Wind Power Despite Massive Solar Capacity
- •India could install up to 14 gigawatts of wind power annually by 2030 to meet electricity demand beyond daylight hours.
- •The country had 171.05 gigawatts of installed solar capacity compared to 59.20 gigawatts of wind as of September 2025.
- •Solar panels only generate power during daylight, whereas wind turbines can operate at night when wind speeds are sufficient.
- •Combining wind, solar, and battery storage helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants and ensures round-the-clock supply.
- •The Indian government has approved initiatives like the Green Energy Corridor Phase III to integrate up to 135 gigawatts of renewable capacity.
Key Questions Answered
As of September 30, 2026, India had 171.05 GW of installed solar capacity and 59.20 GW of wind capacity, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
While India has built nearly three times as much solar capacity as wind, solar panels only generate power during daylight hours and stop after sunset. Wind turbines can operate at night when wind speeds are sufficient, helping meet electricity demand beyond daylight hours.
Approved by the Cabinet on September 30 with an estimated outlay of Rs 1,86,405 crore, Phase III of the Green Energy Corridor programme provides for transmission infrastructure to integrate up to 135 GW of renewable capacity and 50 gigawatt-hours of battery storage.
