- The process of harnessing electricity through wind turbines is referred to as wind power or wind energy.
- Wind energy stands out as a widely embraced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable energy alternative, boasting a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
- India has witnessed a remarkable surge in its capacity to generate wind power in recent times.
- As of November 30, 2021, the cumulative installed capacity for wind power reached 40 GW, positioning India as the world’s fourth-largest in terms of installed wind power capacity.
- The Southern, Western, and Northern regions of India are particularly notable for their substantial wind power capacity.
WIND FARM
A wind farm, also known as a wind park, wind power station, or wind power plant, refers to a collection of wind turbines situated in one location for the purpose of generating electricity. These wind farms come in various sizes, ranging from a few turbines to hundreds of them spread across a large area.
TYPES OF WIND FARM
Onshore:
- Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity.
- Onshore wind farms are situated on land, typically in areas with favorable wind conditions.
Offshore:
- Offshore wind farms are located either in freshwater bodies or out at sea.
- Fixed-foundation turbines are installed in shallow waters, while floating turbines are deployed in deeper waters, anchored to the seabed.
- Floating wind farms are still in the early stages of development and testing.
- Offshore wind farms must adhere to regulations requiring them to be at least 200 nautical miles from the coastline and positioned 50 feet below the water’s surface.
- Electricity generated by offshore turbines is transmitted back to the shore through cables buried in the seabed.
STATUS OF WIND ENERGY IN INDIA
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant expansion in its wind power generation capacity.
- As of November 30, 2021, the total installed wind power capacity reached 40 GW, establishing India as the world’s fourth-largest in terms of installed wind power capacity.
- The Southern, Western, and Northern regions of India boast the highest wind power capacity, owing to favorable wind conditions.
- Between 2010 and 2020, the compound annual growth rates for wind generation and installed capacity were recorded at 11.39% and 8.78%, respectively.
- India’s extensive coastline spanning 7,600 km holds immense potential for offshore wind energy generation, estimated at 127 GW by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), the total wind energy potential at a 100-meter hub height stands at an impressive 302 GW.
- States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu collectively account for over 95% of commercially exploitable wind resources in India.
- To further leverage this potential, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set ambitious targets, aiming to install 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2022 and scale it up to 30 GW by 2030.
WIND POWER PLANTS IN INDIA
- Muppandal Wind Farm
- Located in Tamil Nadu, the Muppandal Wind Farm is India’s largest onshore wind farm.
- Development of the project was overseen by the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency.
- Jaisalmer Wind Park
- Situated in Rajasthan, specifically in the Jaisalmer district, this wind park is one of India’s significant onshore wind farms.
- The project commenced in August 2001 and was designed and constructed by Suzlon Energy.
- Vankusawade Wind Park
- Located approximately 40 kilometers from Satara town in Maharashtra’s Satara district, this wind park is situated at an altitude of 1,150 meters above the Koyna Reservoir on a mountain plateau.
- Brahmanvel Wind Farm
- Positioned in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, the Brahmanvel wind farm boasts a capacity of 528 MW.
- Developed by Parakh Agro Industries, it stands as a notable contributor to India’s wind energy sector.
- Dhalgaon Wind Farm
- Situated in Sangli, Maharashtra, the Dhalgaon Wind Farm, with a capacity of 278 MW, was established by Gadre Marine Exports in 2005.
- Beluguppa Wind Park
- Located in Andhra Pradesh, the Beluguppa Wind Park is a 100.8 MW onshore wind power project contributing to the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
- Vaspet Wind Farm
- This wind farm, with a capacity of 40 MW, is situated in Maharashtra and underwent various developmental stages before its commissioning in March 2014.
- Mamatkheda Wind Park
- Positioned in Madhya Pradesh, the Mamatkheda Wind Park is a significant wind power project with a capacity of 100.5 MW, developed by Orange Mamatkheda Wind Private Limited.
- Anantapur Wind Park
- Located in Andhra Pradesh, the Anantapur Wind Park is an ongoing project with a capacity of 226.8 MW.
- After undergoing several developmental stages, the project was commissioned in July 2017.
CHALLENGES IN WIND ENERGY SECTOR
Slowdown in Growth:
- Over the past three years, the wind power sector in India has experienced a slowdown. While around 5.5 GW was added in 2016-17, only 2 GW was added in 2017-18.
- The initial rapid growth of the sector was driven by incentives such as generation-based incentives, accelerated depreciation, and favorable taxation. However, the government has gradually reduced these benefits.
Competition from Solar Energy:
- Solar energy has emerged as a more profitable investment option compared to wind energy, with significantly lower bidding prices.
- For instance, solar energy has a bidding price of around Rs 2.23 per unit, whereas wind energy bidding prices are approximately Rs 4.50 per unit.
Policy Development:
- Wind energy policies in India are still in the nascent stages of development, which poses challenges for stakeholders in the sector.
- In December 2017, the Indian government introduced a framework for auctioning wind energy projects, imposing tariff ceilings on each auctioned product.
Challenges in Harnessing Offshore Wind Energy
- Data Collection and Planning:
- Before venturing into offshore wind energy projects, extensive data collection, including metocean and geological data, is essential. This process can be time-consuming, as seen in Germany’s eight-year data collection phase before initiating offshore projects.
- Infrastructure Investment:
- Harnessing wind energy from offshore locations requires significant investments in support infrastructure, including local substructure manufacturers, installation vessels, and skilled workers.
- Technical Challenges:
- Offshore wind turbines require more robust foundations and structures compared to onshore wind farms, leading to higher installation costs.
- Additionally, offshore wind turbines are susceptible to damage from waves, high winds, and extreme weather conditions, necessitating expensive maintenance and repair operations.
- Lack of Incentives:
- Unlike Europe, where incentives have supported the development of offshore wind energy over the years, India lacks similar assistance for offshore projects.
- Market Competition:
- Given the current dominance of solar energy and the underdeveloped state of the onshore wind sector in India, there is uncertainty about the investment attractiveness of offshore wind projects.
FAQs – Wind Energy
1. What is wind energy?
A: Wind energy, also known as wind power, refers to the process of generating electricity using wind turbines. It is a widely embraced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable energy source with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
2. How has India’s wind energy sector progressed?
A: As of November 30, 2021, India has achieved a cumulative installed capacity of 40 GW, making it the world’s fourth-largest in terms of installed wind power capacity. The Southern, Western, and Northern regions of India are particularly notable for their substantial wind power capacity.
3. What is a wind farm?
A: A wind farm, also referred to as a wind park or wind power station, is a collection of wind turbines located in one area for the purpose of generating electricity. Wind farms vary in size, ranging from a few turbines to hundreds spread across a large area.
4. What are the types of wind farms?
- Onshore: These wind farms are situated on land and harness the kinetic energy of moving air.
- Offshore: Located in freshwater bodies or out at sea, offshore wind farms utilize fixed-foundation or floating turbines to generate electricity.
5. Can you provide examples of major wind power plants in India?
A: Some notable wind power plants in India include the Muppandal Wind Farm in Tamil Nadu, the Jaisalmer Wind Park in Rajasthan, and the Brahmanvel Wind Farm in Maharashtra, among others.
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