Monsoon windfall: Karnataka rides the wind to record power generation
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The early onset of both weather systems, along with strong and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 knots per hour, helped the state achieve new heights in wind power generation over the last three months.
Sources in energy department said wind power generation in Karnataka increased by 24% compared to the last three years. "While Karnataka generated 3,821 million units of wind power in 2022, it generated a record 4,769 million units of wind power until July this year.
Though wind power generation is spread over five months, peak-power generation occurs within the first three months of the season, particularly in July," said an energy department official.
Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary of energy department, told TOI early onset of south-west monsoon was indeed a significant advantage. "Monsoons always provide us with energy security in the renewable sector. While copious rain brings good inflow into our hydel reservoirs, strong winds associated with monsoon also help in generating considerable wind power.
Unlike previous years, 2025 was advantageous for us for two reasons — early onset of monsoon and stronger winds compared to previous years.
Both factors helped us generate more hydro as well as wind energy compared to the past," Gupta said.
Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which manages power generation through various resources, was able to generate 1,653.65 million units of hydroelectric power in July alone due to heavy rain in May and June, which left all major reservoirs filled to the brim.
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Similarly, data accessed from State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) between May 2025 and July 2025 revealed a considerable surge in wind power generation, reaching a record 4,769 million units.
Energy minister KJ George said Karnataka is a leader in renewable energy sector. "Nearly 60% to 70% of the entire state's energy requirement is met through renewable energy sources, and wind power during monsoon is a major contributor," he added.
N Puviyarasan, head of India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru, said: "Unlike in the past, which largely swung between El Nino and La Nina conditions, resumption of neutral conditions over Pacific Ocean in 2025 brought variability in weather patterns. Alongside bounteous rain, we're witnessing strong winds with sustained speeds of 40 to 50 knots per hour at some locations and an average speed of 30 to 35 knots.
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Engineers at Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) told TOI wind turbines normally need a wind speed of 6 to 7 knots per hour (12-14 km/hr). "But their optimal performance would come around with a sustained wind speed of 30 to 35 knots per hour. Barring a few locations, most of the wind farm areas in central and northern districts of Karnataka had an average speed of 30 to 35 knots, and this ensured optimum generation of wind power," a senior engineer from KREDL said.
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