India’s electricity grid faced severe challenges in 2010, with power shortages reaching approximately 13% during peak demand periods. Nearly 25% of the population remained without electricity access. However, the nation has made extraordinary strides in a relatively short timeframe. Currently, 99.6% of its 1.5 billion citizens have electricity, a feat that stands as one of the most remarkable energy transformations in modern history. Yet, this is merely the beginning of India’s clean energy journey.

“Universal power access has been achieved,” states Deepak Maloo, leader of GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind business in India and the Asia Pacific region. “The focus now is delivering uninterrupted electricity.” To meet the demands of its booming economy, India aims to expand total power capacity to nearly 900 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Central to this plan is a commitment to clean energy, with a target of deploying 500 GW of “non-fossil fuel” capacity—including renewables, large hydro, and nuclear—by the same deadline.

While ambitious, India’s natural advantages provide a strong foundation. Regions like Gujarat’s sun-drenched plains receive over eight hours of daily sunlight. Monsoon winds sweep across the country’s 6,900-mile (11,000-kilometer) coastline, creating a complementary cycle of solar and wind energy. “Sunny days paired with windy nights enable continuous renewable generation,” explains Maloo.

India is determined to drive this transition domestically. Rather than importing complete power infrastructure, the nation is prioritizing local production of wind turbines and solar panels. Since 2014, the government’s “Make in India” initiative has spurred investments in manufacturing to boost economic self-reliance and job creation. “The vision is ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—a self-sufficient India,” says Maloo.

The manufacturing team at GE Vernova’s facility in Vadodara, India.

Work in Progress

India has already demonstrated its potential. The nation now operates over 50 GW of wind capacity—exceeding Argentina’s total grid output. A flagship achievement was the development of a GE Vernova onshore turbine tailored for India’s low-wind conditions and expansive landscapes.

The turbine’s 2.7 MW output was entirely engineered and built within India. Bengaluru’s engineering hub conceived the design, while Gujarat and Karnataka factories produced its blades. The nacelle, housing critical components like the gearbox and generator, was assembled in Maharashtra—a testament to nationwide collaboration.

Local expertise fuels this progress. Pune, renowned for its academic institutions, supplies skilled professionals in manufacturing and maintenance. “Our top-tier universities ensure a steady pipeline of talent,” Maloo notes.

The Road to 500 Gigawatts

With wind resources capable of supporting up to 200 GW, India has barely tapped its potential. “Land constraints demand turbines with higher efficiency and capacity factors,” says Maloo. GE Vernova’s next-generation 3.8 MW turbine, already operational in the U.S., is poised to meet this challenge. It can power 30,800 households and reduces the footprint of a 300 MW wind farm by requiring 79 units instead of 112 older models.

India’s regulatory flexibility allows taller towers, enhancing performance. “Greater hub heights optimize energy capture,” Maloo explains. The turbine will be manufactured locally, with tower components sourced from Indian partners. This approach elevates GE Vernova’s local content share to over 70%, reinforcing its commitment to domestic industrial growth.

“In some European countries, a large equipment manufacturer might install 500 megawatts a year,” says Deepak Maloo, regional leader for GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind business in India and Asia Pacific. “In India, we’re talking about 6 gigawatts.”

For manufacturers, India’s “Make in India” policy offers access to a massive market in exchange for local investment. “European firms might install 500 MW annually,” says Maloo. “India’s scale demands 6 GW.” GE Vernova, present in India since 1902, leverages its 11 factories and 10,000 employees to support this growth. With 57,000 turbines installed globally, the company emphasizes its ability to deliver “reliability, quality, and uniformity at scale.”

From its first hydro plant at Shivanasamudra Falls to its current wind leadership, India’s energy narrative continues to evolve. As Maloo concludes, “This isn’t just about turbines—it’s about building a self-reliant, sustainable future.”

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