India Now Meets Nearly 10 Percent of Global Wind Energy Demand Through Exports: Suzlon Vice Chairman

From Mockery to Manufacturing Strength​

When windmills were first introduced in India, they were often dismissed as oversized fans that would consume power instead of generating it. Three decades later, India has emerged as a key global supplier in the sector, with the country now capable of meeting nearly 10 percent of the world’s wind energy demand through exports, according to Suzlon Energy Vice Chairman Girish Tanti.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Tanti reflected on the transformation of both the company and India’s renewable energy ecosystem, noting that wind energy was once considered commercially unviable in the country.

Suzlon’s Three-Decade Journey​

Suzlon, which marks 30 years of operations, is now preparing for its next phase of growth through its Wind 2.0 and Suzlon 2.0 initiatives. These efforts focus on expanding capabilities within and beyond wind power generation, including dedicated product development, engineering procurement and construction, and services businesses.

The company positions itself among a small group of global wind energy manufacturers that have sustained long-term operations. Tanti highlighted that Suzlon remains the only such player originating from the Global South.

Renewables Powering India’s Energy Transition​

India currently meets nearly half of its energy requirements through renewable sources and is progressing towards its long-term carbon neutrality target by 2070. Advances in wind technology have significantly altered perceptions, with a single modern turbine now capable of generating close to one crore units of electricity annually, enough to power an entire village.

Suzlon’s ecosystem includes over 2,500 micro, small and medium enterprises operating across the value chain, reinforcing India’s manufacturing depth in the renewable energy space.

Wind 2.0 and the Push for Energy Security​

Under the Wind 2.0 framework, Suzlon is redefining its approach to the wind business by integrating digital transformation, customer value delivery, and workplace safety into its expansion plans. Tanti noted that energy self sufficiency is becoming a critical growth requirement for businesses and for India’s broader economic ambitions.

With India’s GDP expected to expand sharply by 2047, energy demand is projected to rise proportionately. The combination of higher consumption, a growing middle class, and dependence on energy imports presents challenges related to energy security, foreign exchange pressure, and climate costs associated with conventional fuels.

Storage, Grid Stability, and Land Potential​

According to Tanti, recent progress in solar, wind, and energy storage technologies has addressed earlier limitations around intermittency. Renewable power is no longer constrained by the availability of sunlight or wind, while costs have fallen below those of conventional energy sources.

He also pointed out that only about 4 percent of India’s land suitable for wind power generation has been utilised so far, indicating substantial untapped potential.

Electric Vehicles, Data Centres, and AI Power Demand​

Addressing concerns around electric vehicles being charged using fossil fuel based power, Tanti said it is already feasible and viable to run EV charging infrastructure entirely on green energy.

On the rising power consumption from data centres and artificial intelligence applications, he said most new data centres planned in India are being designed as green facilities from inception. State governments are working on grid readiness and green power corridors to support these developments.

Tanti added that India is well positioned to meet the entire power requirement of emerging AI infrastructure through renewable sources, offering stable round the clock electricity at costs comparable to or lower than conventional energy options.