Wind Energy in India Potential and Challenges

摘要

At first sight, India appears to have made rapid strides in wind power. However, a more detailed analysis shows that in order for wind power to make a significant difference to the Indian electricity demand, today and in future, the sector needs to grow at a significantly higher pace. The important challenges that the wind power industry faces in its efforts to achieve acceleration, call for a much needed transformation in the following aspects: The government must re-evaluate the wind energy policies adopted so as to make wind an attractive segment for investment post the anticipated removal of accelerated depreciation. The national grid needs restructuring - at the infrastructure level from the ground up, using lessons learnt from countries such as Germany to better accommodate wind energy farms as well as other RE systems. In addition to this, a robust regulatory framework in the form of grid codes would have to be developed and adopted. The onus for this falls primarily on the central transmission utilities (CTUs)/STUs with private investors playing a supporting role. Emphasis must be laid for better research and developmet (R&D) being done to promote domestic manufacturing of wind turbines that are more efficient, operate at low wind speeds and higher mast heights.A significant push must be made to provide updated estimates for the wind energy potential in India with efforts being made to evaluate the potential for offshore wind energy development. Active RePowering of old wind farms while accommodating technological improvements will ensure a better realisation of wind energy potential across the nation.