Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba raises concerns on wind energy development in Lok Sabha

Sikkim’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, raised key questions on the government's wind energy policies during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. He highlighted the vast untapped potential of wind power in India and urged the Union Minister to focus on schemes that would promote wind energy development, particularly in high-altitude regions.

Dr. Subba pointed out that the National Institute of Wind Energy has estimated India’s wind power potential at over 1,100 GW. However, only 48.59 GW has been harnessed so far. He emphasized that while the government has launched multiple schemes to promote solar energy, very few schemes exist for wind energy development.

The MP specifically addressed the challenges faced by states like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh in harnessing solar energy due to their geographical conditions. However, he said that recent studies indicate strong wind velocity in high-altitude areas, which could be effectively utilized for electricity generation. Dr. Subba asked whether the Ministry has any plans for research and development in this area and whether new wind power plants would be set up in such regions.

In response, the government highlighted India’s progress in renewable energy, stating that from 75 GW in 2014, the country’s renewable energy capacity has now reached 222 GW. Officials also noted that under various schemes, the country is aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity in the coming years, with tenders being floated to boost renewable energy projects.

Despite these efforts, Dr. Subba urged the government to introduce specific policies to encourage wind energy development, ensuring that states with high-altitude wind potential can also benefit from renewable energy initiatives.