Wind power generation down by 15 per cent in last 4 yrs

Chennai

According to Tangedco data, the windmills in the State have generated 9,267 million units between April and October this year as against 9,647 MU in the corresponding period last year. In 2017-18, the windmills produced 11,027 MU while in 2016-17 it stood at 10,927 MU.

Wind power generation fell despite an expansion in installed capacity. As of October this year, the installed capacity of wind energy in the State is 8,969 MW, a 20 per cent increase compared to 7,460 per cent in October 2016. Tamil Nadu, which has the highest wind power installed capacity, records maximum generation during the high-wind season from May to September.

In Tamil Nadu, 75 per cent of wind energy is generated in the season from May to September. “But 30-40 per cent wind energy is not evacuated by State utility, thereby making a huge loss to generators. Curtailment of wind energy continues in Tamil Nadu, despite interim orders by the High Court asking the State not to back it down. System Operators (SLDC) get away with excuses of faulty forecasting and grid safety. The Centre needs to look into it,” said a wind power generator.

The Indian Wind Power Association has written to the chairman and managing director of Tangedco and Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy over the curtailment of the wind power generation in the states including Tamil Nadu.

A senior Tangedco official said that they had resorted to backing down the windmills only when the power demand drops drastically. “We had kept our thermal power stations on standby to accommodate the generation from windmills during the wind season. Grid dropping of windmills are done as a last resort to ensure the grid stability,” the officialexplained.

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