Tamil Nadu Unveils Policy to Modernise Wind Energy Sector by 2030
The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a new policy to repower, refurbish, and extend the life of wind turbines to optimise energy output. The initiative aims to replace aging turbines, enhance capacity, and promote cleaner energy, with incentives and mandatory participation for older turbines. The policy is effective until 31 March, 2030.
September 11, 2024. By EI News Network
As a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, Tamil Nadu currently holds a significant installed renewable energy capacity of 22,754 MW as of June 30, 2024, with wind energy contributing 10,790 MW, making it the largest component of the State's renewable energy mix. Wind energy generation in Tamil Nadu began in 1986 with turbines ranging from 55 kW to 600 kW in capacity, which, despite having reached the end of their operational life, continue to function.
Recognising the potential for technological advancements over the past three decades, the State sees a critical opportunity to replace these aging, lower-capacity turbines with newer, higher-capacity models to optimise wind energy potential at specific sites, thus enhancing both capacity and overall generation. The policy outlines three key approaches to modernising the wind energy infrastructure viz. repowering projects where old turbines will be replaced with new, more efficient ones; refurbishment projects involving substantial modifications to existing turbines, such as upgrading components like gearboxes, blades, and generators; and life extension projects that extend the operational life of turbines beyond their original design life or 20 years, whichever comes first.
The policy mandates that all Wind Energy Generators (WEGs) that have completed 20 years of operation must choose one of the three options, while others may participate voluntarily. The policy will be in effect from the date of issuance until March 31, 2030, or until a new repowering policy is introduced. The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd. (TNGECL) will serve as the State Nodal Agency for the policy's implementation.
To encourage modernisation, several incentives are provided, including annual banking arrangements, permission to convert existing wind projects into wind-solar hybrid projects, support for securing loans from financial institutions such as the Power Finance Corporation (PFC),
Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), and exemption from open access charges from the date of approval until the date of commissioning or 1.5 years, whichever is shorter. Additionally, WEGs will be required to pay a development charge of INR 30 lakh per MW for the entire capacity involved in the activities outlined by the policy. Through these efforts, Tamil Nadu aims to boost wind energy generation, reduce carbon emissions, and further solidify its position as a leader in renewable energy.
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