If India is to meet the growing needs of its booming economy, it needs to substantially increase its installed energy capacity.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Its annual growth rate over the past five years has consistently been around 7%, driven by ever increasing levels of domestic consumption and a thriving young population.
The country’s manufacturing, service and agricultural sectors are all booming, but the energy sector has not kept pace with the needs of its fast expanding economy. According to figures from the Ministry of Power, India’s energy consumption per head – 631 kwh/pa in 2008 – is expected to reach up to 1000 kwh/pa by 2012. If it is to meet these growing needs, India needs to substantially increase its current installed capacity.
In terms of wind power, India currently has an installed capacity of around 12 GW, according to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy figures as on 30th June 2010.