12-November-2024-Editorial

ON IMPROVING WIND ENERGY GENERATION

In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government launched the “Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy” aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state’s wind energy industry. This policy targets the aging wind turbines in the state, aiming to replace old ones or extend their operational life.

However, wind energy producers have raised concerns and filed a case in the Madras High Court, which has temporarily halted the implementation of this policy.

Key Features of the Tamil Nadu Policy

The policy aims to optimize wind energy production in Tamil Nadu, focusing on three main areas:

• Life Extension: The operational life of wind turbines older than 20 years will be extended through upgrades and maintenance.
• Repowering: Old wind turbines will be replaced with new, more efficient ones to improve energy generation.
• Refurbishment: Turbines will be repaired or upgraded, such as with new blades or gearboxes, to enhance their performance.

Capacity and Costs

Ageing Wind Turbines: Approximately 300 MW of Tamil Nadu’s total 9,000 MW wind energy capacity is made up of turbines that are more than 20 years old and need upgradation.

Costs:

• To extend the life of existing turbines, wind energy producers must pay Rs 30 lakh per MW every five years.
• A one-time payment of Rs 30 lakh per MW is required for repowering (replacing old turbines with new ones).

Wind Energy in India

Potential: India has a vast wind energy potential of 1,163.86 GW at 150 meters above ground level and 695.51 GW at 120 meters.

Current Utilization: India uses only 6.5% of its wind energy potential, with Tamil Nadu utilizing nearly 15% of the national capacity.

Rankings: India is the 4th largest country in the world for wind power capacity and renewable energy installations.

Cost-Effectiveness: Wind power is expected to be cost-competitive with thermal power by 2025-30.

Maintenance:

·      Repowering: Replacing turbines older than 15 years or those under 2 MW capacity.

·      Refurbishment: Upgrading turbines by changing blades, increasing height, or installing better gearboxes.

·      Life Extension: Ensuring safety upgrades to extend the lifespan of older turbines.

Windy States: Major wind energy-producing states include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, contributing 93.37% of India’s installed wind energy capacity.

Challenges in Repowering and Refurbishing Turbines

• Land Requirements: Newer turbines, particularly those with higher capacities, require more land for installation (3.5 to 5 acres per turbine).
• Displacement Issues: Turbine installations have led to the displacement of local populations, especially in areas where new habitats have emerged over time.
• Technological Advancements: Upgrading turbines involves significant investment in new technology, which requires time and expertise.
• Banking Problems: Wind turbines installed after 2018 lack banking facilities in Tamil Nadu, meaning repowered turbines are treated as new installations, reducing their financial viability.

India’s Renewable Energy Targets

India has ambitious climate goals, presented at COP-26 in 2021:

• 500 GW Non-Fossil Energy by 2030: India aims to reach 500 GW of energy from non-fossil sources by 2030.
• 50% Renewable Energy: India targets 50% of its energy needs to come from renewable sources by 2030.
• Carbon Emission Reductions: India plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Carbon Intensity: India aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• Net Zero by 2070: India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

Key Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA): Ensures electricity access to every household.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Facilitates transmission of renewable energy.
• National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM): Focuses on improving grid infrastructure.
• FAME Scheme: Promotes electric vehicles and hybrid technology.
• PLI Scheme: Encourages manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.

Way Forward

• Improved Tariff Mechanisms: Competitive pricing for renewable energy will attract more investment.
• Timely Project Completion: Ensuring projects are completed on time will improve sector credibility.
• Solar-Wind Integration: Combining solar and wind power can help balance energy production, especially during non-sunny hours.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading transmission systems and investing in energy storage will improve wind power efficiency.
• Long-Term Agreements: Securing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) will provide stability and boost investor confidence.
• Technology Upgrades: Innovations like larger turbines and offshore wind projects can significantly expand India’s wind energy capacity.