Small and offshore wind driving rural power and RE growth

The ISTS waiver has been crucial in supporting wind energy projects by reducing power transmission costs and facilitating the delivery of power across states.

- Dr. Karunamoorthy Neethimani

As of August 2025, India has installed 52.6 GW of wind energy, placing it fourth globally. In 2024, the country added 3.42 GW; however, it has already added more than that this year and may add around 6 GW by the end of the year. This growth was made possible by supportive policies, including streamlined project approval processes, financial incentives, and support for decentralised energy systems, as well as regular performance reviews. Although numerous achievements have been made, further policy changes can have a profoundly positive impact on achieving the target. One important measure is the reintroduction of the ISTS waiver, which was crucial in supporting wind energy projects by reducing power transmission costs and facilitating the delivery of power across states. Without this ISTS waiver, project viability could be impacted by transmission issues, potentially slowing progress toward India's 2030 renewable energy targets. Dr. Karunamoorthy Neethimani shares more insights with EPR.

What role can small-scale wind energy play in rural and remote electrification? And what role can offshore wind play in bridging the gap toward India's renewable ambitions?