Wind Energy
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Renewable Energy
Source: TH
Context: Tamil Nadu, a pioneer in wind power, is facing challenges regarding outdated wind turbines, repowering policies, and land constraints. The *Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy – 2024* aims to address these issues but has received opposition from stakeholders citing financial and operational concerns.
India’s Wind Energy Capacity and Potential: (Source: National Institute of Wind Energy)
• Potential: At 150m height: 1,163.86 GW At 120m height: 695.51 GW (including 68.75 GW in Tamil Nadu). Utilized nationally: ~6.5%; Tamil Nadu: ~15%.
• At 150m height: 1,163.86 GW
• At 120m height: 695.51 GW (including 68.75 GW in Tamil Nadu).
• Utilized nationally: ~6.5%; Tamil Nadu: ~15%.
• Installed Capacity: Total: 44.89 GW (as of 2024). Tamil Nadu: 10,603.5 MW, second largest in India. Leading states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh (~93% of total).
• Total: 44.89 GW (as of 2024).
• Tamil Nadu: 10,603.5 MW, second largest in India.
• Leading states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh (~93% of total).
(Source: MNRE Database – Read image from prelims perspective too, Eg: highest wind potential state at 120m and 150m, order wise potential etc..)
Maintenance of Wind Turbines:
• Repowering: Complete replacement of old turbines (<2 MW) with modern ones for higher efficiency.
• Refurbishing: Enhancements such as taller towers, new blades, or upgraded gearboxes.
• Life Extension: Safety measures to extend the lifespan of existing turbines.
• Challenges: Requires investment in land, technology, and evacuation infrastructure.
Repowering and Refurbishing:
• Advantages: Increased generation capacity (e.g., replacing a 250kW turbine with a 2.5 MW turbine). Efficient land use at high-potential sites.
• Increased generation capacity (e.g., replacing a 250kW turbine with a 2.5 MW turbine).
• Efficient land use at high-potential sites.
• Challenges: Land constraints due to habitation. Loss of banking facilities for repowered turbines (Tamil Nadu). Inadequate transmission infrastructure (e.g., Aralvaimozhi site).
• Land constraints due to habitation.
• Loss of banking facilities for repowered turbines (Tamil Nadu).
• Inadequate transmission infrastructure (e.g., Aralvaimozhi site).
Pros and Cons of Wind Energy:
Pros | Cons
Green energy: No emissions; reduces carbon footprint. | Intermittency: Wind is not a constant energy source.
Renewable source: Endless availability. | High upfront costs: Installation and manufacturing.
Low operational costs: Cost-effective post-installation. | Wildlife threat: Risks to birds and bats.
Space-efficient: Generates high output on small land. | Noise and Visual Impact: Aesthetic concerns.
Dual land use: Can coexist with grazing or farming. | Remote locations: Transmission challenges to demand centers.
Falling costs: 80% cost reduction since 1980. | Land use issues: Regulatory and clearance delays.
Way ahead:
• Policy refinements: Address financial and operational challenges to incentivize repowering.
• Infrastructure development: Strengthen evacuation and transmission networks at high-potential sites.
• Sustainability measures: Ensure balance between environmental concerns and energy needs.
• Technology adoption: Leverage modern turbines for higher efficiency and land optimization.
Conclusion:
India’s wind energy sector holds immense potential to drive renewable energy goals. While repowering and refurbishing offer significant benefits, addressing financial, land, and infrastructure challenges is crucial for long-term sustainability and increased contribution to energy needs.
Insta Links:
• “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC-2018)