Wind power generation peaks to record high

Until last year, its generation of 104 million units remained the highest single day performance and a one-time record. However, it was much better this current year, which has witnessed crossing generation of 100 million units five times during peak season in July and August, according to Tangedco’s Tirunelveli Circle of Non Conventional Energy Sources.

Since the environment was conducive to derive energy harvested from wind turbines under the Tirunelveli Circle, which includes stations such as Aralvaimozhi, Sengottai, Muppandal, Kayathar, Eppodhumvendran, Tenkasi, Radhapuram, Vadakkankulam and Koodankulam, the desired result could be achieved, sources told DT Next, on Wednesday. The total wind installed capacity in Tamil Nadu is 8,214 MW, of which Tirunelveli Circle constitutes about 80 per cent with a capacity of around 6,000 MW with a total of 4,964 services.

The southwest monsoon wind blew on time as the monsoon was set in time as predicted by the India Meteorological Department. During the previous year, there were changes in wind pattern, which began to blow in March. The state’s daily average electricity consumption is 14,000 MW to 15,000 MW.

But anticipating a possible slump in electricity consumption after the government’s declaration of public holiday on Wednesday following the demise of M Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister and DMK Chief on Tuesday evening, the situation has necessitated shedding load of 800 MW on Wednesday. 

Closure of educational institutions, industries, companies and offices would drastically reduce electricity consumption, sources said. To utilise the wind energy, which is clean and cheaper in generation, the third unit in Tuticorin Thermal Power Station remains on standby mode since last week, sources said.

More importantly, sources said wind mills at a capacity of 7,000 MW were being installed at Therku Mylodai in Thoothukudi district, which has become a focus of attention as for as wind farm projects were concerned. Since sites in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari became saturated, Thoothukudi had become a priority for wind farms.

Besides, solar power, the non conventional source of energy, also achieved a considerable amount of generation recording 1,759 MW on Tuesday, sources added.