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Improving Wind Energy Generation
Context:
Tamil Nadu, a leader in wind power, has many turbines over 30 years old. In August 2024, the state introduced the “Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects.” However, wind energy generators opposed it, obtained a stay from the Madras High Court, and called for a policy that actively promotes wind energy generation.
Wind energy capacity and potential in India:
- India ranks fourth globally in wind energy capacity, with a potential of 1,163.86 GW at 150 metres above ground and 695.51 GW at 120 metres.
- Key states for wind energy include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, which together contribute 93.37% of India’s installed wind power.
- Currently, only 6.5% of India’s total wind potential is utilised, with Tamil Nadu using around 15%.
Tamil Nadu’s Wind Power Capacity:
- Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in wind energy, with installations since the 1980s. It currently holds the second-largest installed wind energy capacity in India, totaling 10,603.5 MW.
- Of approximately 20,000 wind turbines in the state, nearly 10,000 are small turbines under 1 MW capacity.
Target for Wind Power Generation:
- The Indian government aims to achieve 140 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030, in line with its broader goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by that year.
- This target is essential for meeting India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and reducing carbon emissions.
Government Policies for Increasing Wind Power Generation
- National Repowering and Life Extension Policy: First introduced in 2016 and updated in 2023, this policy encourages the replacement of older, less efficient turbines (usually under 2 MW) with newer models. The policy also supports improving operational efficiency and extending the life of existing turbines.
- Incentives and Subsidies: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provides various financial incentives, including subsidies for project developers, to encourage the installation and upgrading of wind turbines. These incentives help lower the upfront costs of repowering and refurbishing projects.
- Green Energy Corridors: The government is investing in “Green Energy Corridors,” a dedicated transmission network for renewable energy, to enhance the evacuation and distribution capacity for wind and solar projects.
- Banking Provisions: In some states, the government allows energy banking, enabling excess energy produced during high-wind seasons to be stored or credited. However, Tamil Nadu lacks this facility for newly repowered turbines, which poses financial challenges.
- Single-Window Clearance: The government is working on simplifying the regulatory process for wind projects, including providing single-window clearances to reduce project delays.
Repowering and Refurbishing of Wind Turbines: Key Concepts and Challenges
- Repowering: Involves replacing old, lower-capacity turbines (typically under 2 MW or over 15 years old) with new, high-capacity ones to increase energy output significantly.
- Modern turbines, such as a 2 MW model, are about 120 metres tall, need around 3.5 acres, and generate up to 6.5 million units, while a 2.5 MW turbine stands at 140 metres, requires 5 acres, and produces up to 8 million units.
- Refurbishing: Focuses on upgrading existing turbine components, such as increasing tower height, changing blades, or installing more powerful gearboxes, to improve efficiency without full replacement. Life extension measures may also be implemented to enhance turbine safety and prolong operational life.
Challenges of Repowering in Tamil Nadu:
- Land and Spacing Issues: Wind sites mapped in the 1980s had spacing suited to older technology, with turbines generally under 1 MW. Today’s larger turbines require more space, but expanding sites is difficult due to increased habitation near existing wind farms.
- Transmission Infrastructure Constraints: Areas with high wind potential, like Aralvaimozhi, suffer from outdated transmission infrastructure. A ₹800 crore project for three substations was approved six years ago but remains incomplete, limiting the capacity to evacuate higher energy output from repowered turbines.
Benefits of Repowering and Refurbishing:
- Higher Efficiency and Capacity: Modern turbines produce far more power, allowing fewer turbines to generate the same or higher output, reducing land and maintenance costs.
- Enhanced Wind Energy Utilisation: Repowering can optimise energy generation in high-wind regions like Aralvaimozhi.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Increased renewable energy output helps cut reliance on fossil fuels.
- Banking Facilities and Financial Viability: Since 2018, Tamil Nadu prohibits energy banking for wind turbines, meaning energy generated cannot be stored or credited. Repowered turbines are treated as new installations, thus ineligible for energy banking, reducing financial returns and deterring investment.
Why Wind Generators Oppose the New Policy:
- Wind generators argue that the 2024 policy lacks measures to address these on-ground challenges and does not provide sufficient financial incentives, making repowering less economically viable.
- They demand a policy that promotes the benefits of repowering by addressing land, infrastructure, and financial obstacles to maximise wind energy production.
Potential and Path Forward:
- Tamil Nadu has around 7,000 MW of repowering potential, where upgrading older, smaller turbines could increase the state’s wind energy contribution by 25% during peak seasons.
- For successful repowering, policies should focus on improving infrastructure, addressing land-use issues, and reinstating banking facilities.
Conclusion:
Repowering and refurbishing hold significant potential for Tamil Nadu’s wind energy sector but face challenges due to land requirements, outdated infrastructure, and policy constraints on banking facilities. Addressing these issues could unlock substantial renewable energy gains and support Tamil Nadu’s energy transition.
