WIND ENERGY

 

  • It is another important source of non-conventional energy
  • Its initial costs are high. But, once the generation starts, cost-free power is available for about 20 years, as there are less recurring cost on Wind Energy Infrastructure
  • The recent assessment indicates a gross wind power potential of 302 GW in the country at 100 meter and 695.50 GW at 120 meter above ground level.
  • The state of Gujarat has highest Wind Energy potential, followed by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
  • India currently has the fourth highest wind installed capacity in the world with total installed capacity of 39.25 GW
    • The state of Tamil Nadu tops the list, with an annual wind power output of around 9,000 MW per annum; followed by Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan

 

Offshore potential

    • The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has set a target of 5.0 GW of offshore wind installations by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030
    • Offshore wind power offers a plausible alternative as, Absence of any obstruction in the sea offers much better quality of wind and its conversion to electrical energy.
    • However, high cost of installation with the requirement of Marine structures in place, hinders the expansion possibilities. But, feasibility studies could help better exploration
  • The Government is promoting wind power projects in entire country through private sector investment by providing various fiscal and financial incentives such as Accelerated Depreciation benefit; concessional custom duty exemption on certain components of wind electric generators
  • The challenges associated with Wind Power are:
    • Even though the cost of wind power has decreased dramatically in the past several decades, wind projects must be able to compete economically with the lowest-cost source of electricity, and some locations may not be windy enough to be cost competitive
    • Wind resource development might not be the most profitable use of the land. Land suitable for wind-turbine installation must compete with alternative uses for the land, which might be more highly valued than electricity generation
    • Although wind power plants have relatively little impact on the environment compared to conventional power plants, concern exists over the noise produced by the turbine blades and visual impacts to the landscape
    • Wind plants can impact local wildlife. Birds have been killed by flying into spinning turbine blades. Also, Like all energy sources, wind projects can alter the habitat on which they are built