3,460 MW Wind Energy Capacity Addition in FY 2015–16 Exceeds Target

India added a record 3,460 MW of wind energy capacity in 2015–16, way ahead of its target of 2,400 MW. The previous highest was 3,197 MW added in 2011–12. More than a third of the capacity added in 2015–16 was by Madhya Pradesh, which commissioned 1,291.90 MW, according to figures released by the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA). The next largest addition was in Rajasthan, 687.90 MW, while Gujarat adding 385.65 MW, and Andhra Pradesh adding 362.50 MW were in third and fourth place, respectively. “India’s wind energy capacity exceeded this year’s target by 44.2 per cent, proving our commitment towards green energy,” Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, said. At the end of 2015–16, India’s cumulative wind energy capacity stood at 26,904.16 MW against 23,443.61 MW in 2014–15. India has set itself a target of 60,000 MW of wind energy by 2022. Despite a growing reluctance of late among some state DISCOMS to draw wind energy, the segment is expected to surpass its 2016–17 target of 4,100 MW as well.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com