9-interesting-facts-about-wind-energy-turbines

9 Interesting Facts About Wind Energy & Turbines


Have you ever wondered how much energy we could generate from the wind around us? With concerns over climate change and the growing demand for clean energy and environmental benefits of wind energy is quickly becoming one of the most powerful solutions.

And with this growth, it is natural that you would want to know interesting and fascinating facts about wind energy in India.

The good news? We’ve got you covered in this blog! Here we have listed facts about wind energy plants in India, things you need to know about wind turbine projects and everything around how wind turbines convert wind into electricity – be it as simple as a vertical axis wind turbine or horizontal axis wind turbine.

So, let’s have a quick look at the facts to get started!

1. The Rapid Growth of Wind Energy Worldwide

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Wind energy is the fastest-growing renewable energy source globally. Each year, the world’s wind power capacity grows by over 10%, and by 2030, renewable energy sources are used for 46% of global electricity generation, with wind and solar PV together making up 30%.

This growth is a clear sign of increasing awareness and usage of sustainable sources to meet global energy demands.

Did you know? The global opportunities of wind energy production market are exponential. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), we could generate up to 72 terawatts of electricity just from wind. That’s more than enough to meet the world’s energy needs multiple times over.

Moreover, the onshore wind power potential of India is estimated at 132 GW at a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 32%, and 695 GW at a CUF of 25%.

2. Wind Energy in India: A Leading Player in Asia

Wind energy is not only growing globally but also in India. We rank as the 4th largest producer of wind energy in the world.

As of 2023, India’s installed wind energy capacity stands at more than 41 GW, contributing 10% of the country’s total electricity generation.

In 2024, India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity, with Gujarat contributing 1,250 MW, Karnataka 1,135 MW, and Tamil Nadu 980 MW.

As of January 2025, this wind energy capacity has increased to 47.36 GW – making India a leading and fastest-growing player in this field.

When we look at the contribution of Indian states in this contribution, Tamil Nadu, along with Gujarat and Maharashtra, leads the charge in wind energy projects.

Fun fact: India is the largest market for wind energy in Asia, and the country’s government is targeting an ambitious goal of 5000 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, India is emerging as a global leader in clean energy. As on 20th Jan 2025, India’s total non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW.

To achieve India’s wind energy goals, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has installed 900 wind monitoring stations across India to identify high-potential zones.

3. Exploring the Different Types of Wind Turbines

When we talk about wind turbines, we often hear about horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). But what’s the difference, and why does it matter?

HAWTs are the most common type of wind turbines found around the world. These turbines typically have three blades and are often used in large wind farms.

In fact, the largest HAWTs today can reach a height of 250 meters, with blades that stretch over 120 meters. Their efficiency is impressive, typically ranging from 45% to 50%.

On the other hand, VAWTs are less common but have their own unique benefits. These turbines are particularly efficient in turbulent or variable wind conditions and are less affected by wind direction.

While their efficiency (around 30% to 35%) might be lower than HAWTs, they are often seen as a better fit for urban or residential areas due to their design.

The largest VAWT can be up to 50 meters tall and generate around 1 MW of electricity.

4. Wind Energy Projects in India: Growth and Future Prospects

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India’s wind energy capacity is growing very fast. Currently, our capacity is 43 GW, and we are planning to expand our wind energy capacity to 140 GW by 2030.

Moreover, the Indian government is also focused on making wind energy more reliable and efficient with initiatives like the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy.

Additionally, the government has set a trajectory for Wind Renewable Purchase Obligation (Wind RPO) up to 2030, ensuring a steady demand for wind energy.

It’s also important to note that the government provides ₹5,000 crore in subsidies annually to support wind energy projects.

India’s true commitment to the wind energy sector can be determined by its investment of ₹1.5 trillion over the past decade.

5. Environmental Benefits of Wind Energy

One of the biggest reasons why wind energy is so important is its positive impact on the environment.

By replacing coal-based power, wind energy helps to reduce carbon emissions, which makes this earth a better place to live.

Did you know? Coal plants can emit up to 1,000 grams of CO2 per kWh, while wind energy plants generate clean power with no direct emissions.

What’s even better? The land footprint of wind farms is much smaller compared to coal plants. To give you a rough idea, we can say that the wind power installations occupy only 2% of the wind farm area, allowing the rest of the area for agriculture and plantations.

You can have these wind farms also on agricultural land so that you can use the same land for two purposes at the same time.

You can find more data and information about wind energy in India by accessing 500 papers that India's research institutions have published on wind energy technology and innovation in the past five years.

6. Economic Impact of Wind Energy in India


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Along with its environmental benefits, the wind energy sector has created over 100,000 jobs in India, impacting 4X more people and families indirectly.

To further make this number even bigger, the government of India has trained over 10,000 professionals in wind energy technology and management in India.

Lastly, it’s also important to note that India exports wind turbines and related components worth ₹10 billion annually.

7. Challenges and Opportunities in the Wind Energy Sector

Although wind energy projects have significant benefits, they come with their own set of challenges.

For instance, the initial capital investment for setting up wind turbines can be high. However, these turbines have a long operational life of 20 to 25 years, making them a great long-term investment.

The maintenance cost of wind farms is relatively low, typically around 1-3% of the initial cost per year.

8. Growth of Overall Solar Sector and Wind Power Tariffs

In 2024, India installed 4.59 GW of new rooftop solar capacity, marking a 53% increase from the previous year.

And if we look at the wind tariff in India, we can say that the levelized tariff of wind power in India reached a record low of ₹2.43 per kWh in December 2017 but increased to ₹3.17 per kWh in May 2023.

The off-grid solar segment recorded an 182% increase, adding 1.48 GW in 2024. Moreover, India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

9. KP Group's Role in Wind Energy

KP Group a leading solar power, wind power and hybrid solution company in India, has been actively contributing to the growth of renewable energy.

Founded by Dr. Faruk G. Patel in 1994, KP Group has expanded its portfolio to include wind energy projects. The company aims to commission 10+ GW in renewable energy by 2030, supporting the government's ambitious plans for a sustainable future.

The KP group has already saved carbon emissions of 4,900,017+ MTs while planting trees more then 233,334,143 Corers.

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What we have shared in this blog is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more interesting facts and data about the wind energy sector that you can learn when you start working in the industry.

If you are planning to start a venture and invest in the wind energy sector, you can get in touch with our team to discuss it further!

FAQs

Q1. What is wind energy and how does it work?

A. Wind energy refers to renewable energy generated from wind movement, which is converted to electricity in a wind turbine. The blades catch the kinetic energy of the wind-the rotor spins the generator, which generates electricity.

Q2. How much energy does a turbine convert to electricity?

A. Dependent on wind speed and design, modern turbines are 35-50 percent efficient in their conversion of wind's kinetic energy into electric energy. Efficiency increases with larger turbines and offshore sites.

Q3. What are the environmental benefits of wind energy?

A. Wind energy is clean, green, and renewable. Wind energy provides significant independence from fossil fuels and helps reduce greenhouse gases. There is practically no air pollution, and there is no water waste.

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