New Delhi: Shri Santosh Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), today lauded the Indian wind energy sector for its significant contributions to the nation’s green energy transition. Chaired at the Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, the monthly meeting with Wind Energy Manufacturers.
He, while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi fort his decisive leadership, underscored India’s remarkable achievement of crossing 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, a significant milestone reached five years ahead of its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target.
Shri Sarangi, an IAS officer of the 1994 batch from the Odisha cadre, assumed the role of MNRE Secretary in April 2025, bringing extensive administrative experience from various sectors, including commerce, education, and public policy. His leadership comes at a crucial time as India vigorously pursues its ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
During the meeting, Secretary Shri Sarangi congratulated the industry on the rapid progress, highlighting that the wind sector is poised to become the second-largest contributor to India’s renewable energy portfolio. However, he also emphasized the need to address key challenges to sustain this momentum.
Discussions centered on the growing preference for Solar+BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) in REIA tenders and the imperative to ensure equal opportunities for wind energy. Other critical issues deliberated included connectivity, execution challenges, and the formulation of favorable policy measures to accelerate deployment.
The agenda also covered OTR (Open Access and Transmission) regulations, Quality Control Orders (QCO) for special grade steel, and a strong push for indigenous manufacturing. Shri Sarangi urged all stakeholders to bring forth concrete proposals aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s wind energy ecosystem.
This push aligns with the government’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), fostering a robust domestic supply chain for renewable energy technologies.
MNRE Secretary Shri Sarangi’s focus remains on accelerating India’s clean energy goals, enhancing skill development for the renewable energy workforce, and promoting innovation and investment in emerging clean technologies like green hydrogen and offshore wind.
His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s energy landscape, ensuring that the nation not only meets its ambitious targets but also sets a global example in sustainable development and climate action.