Powering Up from Within: India’s Wind Energy Takes a Nationalist Turn

In a sweeping policy shift aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and safeguarding national cybersecurity, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued new norms for wind turbine manufacturers. The directive mandates local sourcing of critical components and imposes strict data localization requirements. The move is expected to reshape India’s wind energy landscape, which currently has an annual manufacturing capacity of 20 GW but remains underutilized.

 

Key Highlights from Today’s Notification

- Wind turbine makers must source blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and special bearings from vendors listed in a new government-approved registry

- All operational data must be stored within India; real-time data transfers abroad are prohibited

- R&D and operational control centers must be located in India within one year

- Exemptions granted to certain bid-out and near-term projects, with a cap of 800 MW for new models over two years

 

Local Sourcing Mandate: A Push for Indigenous Manufacturing

- Component Requirements

- Manufacturers must procure key parts like blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and bearings from domestic vendors listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)

- The ALMM replaces the earlier RLMM framework and will be issued separately by MNRE

- The goal is to reduce dependence on imports, especially from China, and stimulate local production

 

- Industry Impact

- Domestic players like Suzlon Energy, Inox Wind, and Adani Wind stand to benefit

- Chinese firms such as Envision Group may face setbacks due to sourcing restrictions

- India currently uses only 20% of its wind turbine manufacturing capacity, highlighting the potential for growth

 

Cybersecurity and Data Localization: A Strategic Imperative

- Data Control Measures

- All wind turbine operational data must be stored within India

- Real-time data sharing with foreign entities is banned

- Operational control and R&D centers must be established domestically within one year

 

- Rationale

- Wind turbines pose higher cybersecurity risks due to remote monitoring and distributed infrastructure

- The directive aims to prevent potential disruptions to the national grid from foreign interference

- Cybersecurity is now viewed as a matter of energy sovereignty

 

Exemptions and Transitional Provisions

- Projects Exempted

- Wind projects already bid out are not subject to the new sourcing rules

- Captive and third-party sale projects commissioned within 18 months from July 31, 2025 are also exempt

- New turbine models and manufacturers are allowed up to 800 MW capacity over two years without mandatory sourcing, to encourage innovation

 

- Compliance Timeline

- Manufacturers must submit quarterly progress reports

- A technical team from MNRE will conduct inspections and issue standard operating procedures

 

Strategic Goals and Future Outlook

- India aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, nearly double the current 235.6 GW

- Of this, 100 GW is expected to come from wind energy

- The new norms are designed to align with this target while strengthening domestic capabilities and protecting critical infrastructure

 

Conclusion

India’s new wind turbine norms mark a decisive turn toward self-reliance and digital security in the renewable energy sector. By mandating local sourcing and data control, the government is not only promoting indigenous manufacturing but also fortifying the nation’s energy grid against external threats. As the industry adapts, these changes could unlock new opportunities for innovation, investment, and strategic growth.

 

Sources: Yahoo Finance, Moneycontrol, MSN News