On improving wind energy generation
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy |
| Context |
| ● India has substantial wind energy potential, yet a significant portion remains untapped.
● Recent policies aim to encourage repowering of outdated wind turbines to improve efficiency. ● However, challenges in land availability, infrastructure, and financial incentives persist, hindering the full realisation of the country’s wind energy potential. |
Maintenance, Repowering, and Refurbishment of Wind Turbines
- Wind turbines with capacities under 2 MW or more than 15 years old can undergo repowering (full replacement) or refurbishment, which may involve upgrading turbine height, blades, and gearboxes to increase energy output.
- Repowering also extends to individual or groups of wind mills, allowing older units to generate more power efficiently.
- Life extension involves safety upgrades to extend the operational life of existing turbines.
| Wind Energy Capacity and Potential in India |
| ● India has substantial wind power potential, estimated at 1,163.86 GW at 150 metres above ground level, as reported by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
● India ranks fourth globally in installed wind energy capacity, reflecting its prominence in renewable energy production. ● With turbines typically installed at 120 metres, the country’s potential is currently at 695.51 GW. ● Leading states are Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh contributing significantly to installed capacity. ● However, only about 6.5% of this potential is presently utilized, highlighting the scope for expansion in wind energy usage. |
National Policy on Repowering Wind Projects
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced its first policy on wind project repowering in 2016, with an updated “National Repowering & Life Extension Policy” released in 2023 after consultations with stakeholders.
- According to NIWE estimates, turbines under 2 MW capacity offer a repowering potential of approximately 25.4 GW.
- Despite the policy framework, wind energy producers often encounter limitations on the ground, which affect the practical implementation of repowering projects.
Challenges and Constraints in Repowering
- Wind energy sites established in the 1980s have turbines of smaller capacities, under one MW, set up with spacing and infrastructure designed according to older technology.
- New turbines, such as the 2 MW models at 120 metres high that require 3.5 acres of land, or the 2.5 MW models requiring five acres, pose land and spacing challenges.
- Infrastructure updates, like transmission capacity and energy evacuation facilities, have not kept pace with generation capabilities, impeding effective utilisation of wind potential.
- A delayed infrastructure project involving sub-stations at high-potential wind sites, sanctioned years ago, exemplifies these hurdles.
Policy and Financial Viability Concerns
- Policy challenges include the lack of a banking facility for energy generated from repowered turbines, impacting the financial feasibility of repowering projects.
- For wind energy producers, financial incentives and policy support remain critical for the viability of repowering, which could contribute significantly to overall energy output during peak seasons.
| PYQ: Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2022) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the potential and challenges associated with repowering and refurbishing wind turbines in India. How can the government’s policies be improved to harness the full capacity of wind energy in the country? (150 Words /10 marks) |
