Revitalizing Wind Energy in Tamil Nadu: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities

Revitalizing Wind Energy in Tamil Nadu: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities

Sub : Geo

Sec :Eco geo

Why in News

• In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the “Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects.” However, this policy has stirred controversy, as wind energy generators have challenged it, leading to a stay by the Madras High Court. The generators argue that the policy lacks sufficient incentives to promote wind energy, sparking a significant debate on its implications for the sector.

Wind Energy in India:

• Wind energy harnesses wind power to generate electricity through wind turbines, converting kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power.
• India has an installed wind power capacity of approximately 47,362 MW as of September 2024, making it the fourth-largest globally in wind energy generation.
• Leading States in Wind Power: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are leaders in installed wind capacity, collectively contributing 93.37% of India’s wind energy output.
• According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India’s wind energy potential is 1,163.86 GW at a height of 150 meters.
• At the standard turbine height of 120 meters, the potential reduces to 695.51 GW, including Tamil Nadu’s share of 68.75 GW.
• India utilizes only about 6.5% of its wind potential, while Tamil Nadu harnesses approximately 15%.

Top Wind Power Plants in India:

• Muppandal Wind Farm (Tamil Nadu) – Over 1,500 MW capacity
• Jaisalmer Wind Park (Rajasthan) – Around 1,064 MW capacity

The largest onshore wind farm in the world is the Gansu Wind Farm in China, with a target capacity of 20,000 MW.

Wind Turbines and Types:

• Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT): Most commonly used due to efficiency.
• Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT): Less common, often used in urban settings where wind direction is variable.

Offshore Wind Energy: Offshore wind projects are gaining interest due to stronger and more consistent winds. India is exploring offshore wind along its coasts, with Gujarat and Tamil Nadu identified for initial projects.

Onshore Wind Energy: India’s onshore wind farms are primarily located in high-potential states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

About Wind Turbine Modernization:

• Repowering: This involves completely replacing outdated turbines, particularly those older than 15 years or with less than 2 MW capacity, with newer, more efficient models.
• Refurbishment: Upgrading existing turbines by increasing their height, changing blades, or enhancing components like the gearbox to boost energy output.
• Life Extension: Adding safety features to extend the operational life of aging turbines without fully replacing them.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced the “Policy for Repowering of the Wind Power Projects” in 2016, updated to the “National Repowering & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2023” after stakeholder consultations.
• NIWE estimates that repowering could add up to 25.4 GW of capacity if all turbines under 2 MW are upgraded.

Recommendations for Policy Enhancement:

• Introduce subsidies or financial incentives for generators to repower or refurbish aging turbines.
• Reinstate energy banking for repowered turbines to improve financial viability.
• Accelerate upgrades in transmission infrastructure to support increased energy output from modernized turbines.
• Address land acquisition and usage concerns, allowing for larger, high-capacity turbines where feasible.
• Regular consultations with industry players can ensure the policy addresses practical challenges in implementation.