Emphasizing the importance of power from non-conventional sources, the Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Gireesh Pradhan said that wind power is the thrust area in renewable energy.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Round Table on Wind Power Programme in New Delhi today, Mr.Pradhan said, there are land and environmental issues around wind energy generation that are a challenge but an investor friendly policy framework coupled with attractive tariff has provided a strong foundation for the growth of wind sector issues.

The MNRE Secretary said that India stands 5th in the world in terms of total installed wind power capacity of about 17,600 MW. The day-long Round Table on Wind Power Programme held sessions to discuss policy issues, financial and tariff related matters, grid connectivity and power evacuation.