MNRE Amends Guidelines for Onshore Wind Power Projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced an amendment to the guidelines governing the development of onshore wind power projects, specifically targeting the Micrositing of wind turbine generators (WTGs). 

Micrositing involves optimizing energy production by strategically placing WTGs within a wind farm, taking into account all physical constraints of the area. This optimization is achieved through the use of wind flow modelling, optimization tools, and techniques suitable for various terrain conditions.

The updated criteria for Micrositing now emphasize achieving an optimized output rather than adhering to a mandated minimum distance between turbines. Developers are required to optimize wind turbine locations using appropriate wind flow modelling and optimization tools, following site assessments in line with the IEC 61400-1 standard for turbine safety. These assessments must consider factors such as extreme wind, flow inclination, vertical wind shear, turbulence, wake effects, and terrain complexity corrections.

According to the new guidelines, developers must maintain a distance of 5D (where D is the rotor diameter) between turbines if they are perpendicular to the predominant wind direction, and 7D if they are in line with the predominant wind direction. If adjacent turbines owned by different developers have varying rotor diameters, the larger diameter should be used for the 5D and 7D calculations. However, these distances can be reduced with mutual consent between the adjacent turbine developers or owners.

Additionally, developers are prohibited from siting wind turbines within 500 meters of any cluster of dwellings to mitigate noise. A cluster of dwellings is defined as at least 15 inhabited buildings unless state-specific norms state otherwise.

The revised Micrositing guidelines also support repowering and intercropping, enabling investors and developers to maximise land use without being restricted by minimum distances, thereby ensuring optimal utilisation of land with wind resources. 

This amendment has been approved by the competent authority and aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wind power project development in India.