The world of wind energy is brimming with potential and promise. As a renewable source of power, wind energy holds a significant position in the global transition towards sustainable energy sources. This article delves deeper into the multifaceted aspects of wind energy, unveiling its significance, challenges, and related initiatives.
Global Wind Day and Its Importance
Celebrated annually since 2007, Global Wind Day is an event aimed at promoting wind energy as a clean and sustainable source of power. In June 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) celebrated the occasion under the theme ‘Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India’. This initiative was originally started by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), which later collaborated with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The GWEC is recognized as a member-driven organization representing the entire wind energy sector globally.
Understanding Wind Energy
Wind energy is a renewable energy form that capitalizes on the kinetic energy of the air to generate electricity. This process involves using wind turbines that have rotating blades propelled by the wind. The turbines’ spinning motion subsequently powers a generator to produce electricity.
Wind energy can be generated both on land and offshore and is considered a clean, renewable source of power as it emits no greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Its applications are wide-ranging, encompassing homes, businesses, farms, and more.
A Glimpse of Global and Indian Wind Energy Statistics
China leads the world’s wind power market with a capacity exceeding 237 GW of installed wind power, followed by the U.S. and Germany. China also boasts the world’s largest onshore wind farm, located in the Gansu Province.
India ranks fourth globally in terms of wind power capacity (42.8 GW as of April 2023) and holds substantial potential for both onshore and offshore wind energy production. Wind energy is key to India’s shift towards a low-carbon economy and its commitment to deriving 50% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2070. Tamil Nadu leads India in wind power capacity installation, followed by Gujarat and Karnataka.
Significant Initiatives: A Global and National Perspective
The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, initiated in 2018, aims to promote large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, and land. In October 2015, the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy was established with the goal of developing offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along India’s 7600 km coastline.
A global initiative, the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), was founded in November 2022 at COP27 by Denmark, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and GWEC. The venture has received support from many countries for the rapid expansion of offshore wind. Over the next three years, the founders and Columbia will co-chair the Alliance.
Related Examination Question
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a previous year question asked candidates to provide an account of the present status and targets to be achieved with respect to renewable energy sources in the country. In addition, candidates were asked to briefly discuss the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).