Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration
Fly a kite outside. It is an effective way to realise wind energy. Wind has been harnessed as an energy source for thousands of years, and electricity generation began in the late 19th century. Its history reflects human ingenuity in harnessing natural forces, and today it stands as a cornerstone of the global transition to clean energy. “Global Wind Day” is celebrated annually on June 15. Vāyu (Wind) and the Panchabhutas (Five Great Elements) hold a profound place in Indian philosophy and scriptures. Wind energy development started on land but is now moving towards offshore wind turbines. India is the fourth-largest wind power producer globally. The expansion of wind energy faces several challenges, including grid integration difficulties, land-use conflicts, environmental concerns, and policy gaps.
We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy – sun, wind and tide.
Thomas Edison
Global Wind Day is celebrated annually on June 15. It was first observed in 2007 as a European event organised by “WindEurope”. In 2009, the observation spread worldwide through a partnership with the “Global Wind Energy Council”. It is a day dedicated to discovering wind energy, its power, and its potential to reshape our energy systems. This year’s “Global Wind Day” is all about building confidence. Confidence that clean, home-grown energy works, and the energy transition can strengthen local life.
Wind has been harnessed as an energy source for thousands of years—first for sailing boats on the Nile (~5,000 BC), later for grinding grain and pumping water in Persia and China, and eventually for generating electricity in the late 19th century. Wind energy has evolved from ancient sails and grain mills to modern offshore wind farms powering millions of homes. Its history reflects human ingenuity in harnessing natural forces, and today it stands as a cornerstone of the global transition to clean energy.
Vāyu (Wind) and the Panchabhutas (Five Great Elements) hold a profound place in Indian philosophy and scriptures. In Indian scriptures, wind (Vāyu in Sanskrit) is revered not just as a natural force but as a divine principle—symbolising life, movement, and cosmic balance.
Fly a kite outside. It is an effective way to realise wind energy.
Wind energy development started on land. But more and more countries are now building wind turbines at sea. Some wind farms can even float in deep water! The largest wind turbine was built in Hawaii, standing 20 stories tall, with each blade as long as a football field.
Globally, wind energy capacity stood at 1.3 TW and accounts for more than 11% of global electricity supply today, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources. In terms of installed capacity, India is the world’s fourth-largest, with China, the US, and Germany leading. In India, states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka lead in installations.
Wind Energy Is the Only Power Source That Does Not Need Water.
Wind energy is now cost-competitive with fossil fuels. While offshore projects remain capital-intensive, they promise higher generation and long-term resilience. Wind energy faces several challenges despite being one of the fastest-growing renewable sources. The most pressing issues include rising material costs, grid integration difficulties, land-use conflicts, environmental concerns, and policy gaps.
Wind energy is now one of the most competitive energy sources in markets across the world and is one of the key technologies we need to build the clean energy system required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Global Wind Energy Council
Toons: Advika
Logs: M Sai Baba
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