Tamil Nadu has been a leader in wind energy with installations dating back over 30 years. In August 2024, the state government introduced a new policy aimed at repowering and refurbishing wind power projects. However, this policy has faced opposition from wind energy generators who have sought legal intervention, claiming it does not adequately promote wind energy generation.
Current Wind Energy Landscape in India
India ranks fourth globally for installed wind energy capacity. The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates a potential of 1,163.86 GW at 150 metres height. Currently, only about 6.5% of this potential is harnessed nationally. Tamil Nadu contributes with 68.75 GW of this potential, yet only 15% of its own wind potential is utilised.
Installed Capacity in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu holds the second-largest installed wind energy capacity in India, with 10,603.5 MW. The state is home to around 20,000 wind turbines, of which nearly half have a capacity of less than 1 MW. This poses challenges for energy generation efficiency.
Maintenance and Upgrading of Wind Turbines
Wind turbines older than 15 years or with capacities below 2 MW can be replaced or refurbished. Repowering involves replacing old turbines with new, higher-capacity models. Refurbishment may include heightening turbines or upgrading components. Life extension measures also aim to prolong the operational lifespan of existing turbines.
Challenges in Repowering
The initial mapping of wind sites was based on outdated technology. Newer, larger turbines require more land and may complicate existing setups. Additionally, the infrastructure for energy evacuation needs enhancement to accommodate increased generation.
Financial Viability Issues
The new policy treats repowered turbines as new installations, impacting financial viability due to the lack of banking facilities for energy generated post-2018. Generators argue that the policy fails to address on-ground challenges and does not encourage investment in wind energy.
Future Prospects
Tamil Nadu has the highest repowering potential among states, with over 7,000 MW of capacity eligible for replacement or refurbishment. Consultants suggest that optimising the use of small turbines can increase wind energy’s contribution to total energy consumption by 25% during peak seasons.
Call for Policy Reform
Industry stakeholders urge the government to revise the policy to make it more commercially viable. Without investment incentives, the potential for wind energy generation may remain untapped.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the impact of wind energy policies on renewable energy generation in India.
- Discuss the technological advancements in wind turbine design and their implications for energy production.
- Explain the significance of financial viability in the success of renewable energy projects in India.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by states in implementing renewable energy policies effectively.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the impact of wind energy policies on renewable energy generation in India.
Wind energy policies in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, have important implications for renewable energy generation. While policies like the Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects
2024 aim to enhance capacity, they have faced criticism for failing to promote effective wind energy generation. The opposition from generators marks concerns about financial viability and outdated regulations that hinder investment. Currently, only 6.5% of India’s wind potential is utilized, indicating that policies need to be reformed to better support innovation, investment, and infrastructure development in the renewable sector.
2. Discuss the technological advancements in wind turbine design and their implications for energy production.
Recent technological advancements in wind turbine design, such as larger capacities and increased heights, have greatly enhanced energy production efficiency. Modern turbines, like the 2.5 MW models, generate more power compared to older sub-1 MW models. These advancements necessitate more land and improved infrastructure for energy evacuation. However, the transition from older turbines poses challenges, as existing regulations may not accommodate the new technologies effectively. Thus, while advancements promise increased energy output, they also require supportive policies and infrastructure to fully realize their potential in renewable energy generation.
3. Explain the significance of financial viability in the success of renewable energy projects in India.
Financial viability is crucial for the success of renewable energy projects in India, as it directly influences investment decisions. The new wind energy policy, which treats repowered turbines as new installations, has raised concerns among generators regarding profitability due to the lack of banking facilities for generated energy. Without financial incentives and a supportive regulatory environment, investors may hesitate to fund projects, stalling growth in the renewable sector. Ensuring financial viability through favorable policies is essential to attract investments, enhance capacity, and ultimately meet India’s renewable energy targets.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by states in implementing renewable energy policies effectively.
States like Tamil Nadu face several challenges in implementing renewable energy policies effectively. For instance, the outdated mapping of wind sites complicates the integration of newer, larger turbines that require more land. Additionally, infrastructure for energy evacuation remains underdeveloped, as seen in the stalled sub-station project in Aralvaimozhi. Furthermore, financial constraints arise from policies that do not support the banking of energy generated from repowered turbines, discouraging investment. These challenges highlight the need for adaptive policies that consider technological advancements and local conditions to enhance renewable energy deployment effectively.
