Why in News? 

On Global Wind Day 2025, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, highlighted in a stakeholder conference in Bengaluru that wind energy is central to India’s renewable energy strategy.

(Photo Credit: PIB) 

What is Wind Energy? 

• Wind energy is the kinetic energy of moving air, caused by uneven solar heating, the Earth's surface, and rotation. 
• Wind turbines convert this energy into electricity using rotating blades connected to a generator. 

Working Principle 

• Blades spin when wind blows, creating lift and drag due to air pressure difference. 
• This motion turns a generator, producing electricity. 
• Gears and shafts increase rotation speed for efficient generation. 

Types of Wind Energy Systems 

• Onshore: Built on land (e.g., Muppandal Wind Farm in Tamil Nadu). 
• Offshore: Installed over water; India is developing one near Gujarat Coast. 
• Hybrid: Combines wind with solar for grid stability and better output. 

Major Wind Plants in India 

Government Initiatives: Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018)

National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015) 

• Aims to use India’s coastline for wind power. 
• National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is the nodal agency for offshore wind development.