Wind power surge provides a breather

In the recent past, the wind power generation fell significantly, but it has picked up gradually. The wind power output was 1,136 MW at 7.55 am on Monday and it went up to 2,040 MW at the same time on Tuesday and rose further. Of the total wind energy output, Tirunelveli Circle of Non Conventional Energy Source constitutes about 70 per cent. Evening peak generation recorded 3,365 MW at 7 pm on Sunday and 2,833 MW on Monday. 

On the other hand, electricity demand came down to 9,708 MW at 1.50 am on Monday but rose to 10,977 MW at 1.50 am on Tuesday. It steadily increased to 12,012 MW at 7.50 am on Monday and 12,668 MW at 7.50 am on Tuesday, sources said.

As the power scenario was comfortable following the sudden spike in wind power production and decline in electricity consumption, the situation has necessitated suspension of thermal power generation, sources told DT Next. Of the five units of Tuticorin Thermal Power Station with a capacity of 210 MW each, two units have been kept on standby mode. 

While generation from the second unit came to a halt around 3 pm on Monday, the first unit was suspended at 10.50 am on Tuesday. These units were idle as per directives of the Load Despatch Centre. The generation from the 1,000 MW capacity NTPL plant in Thoothukudi has also been cut to 650 MW around 5 pm on Tuesday and if energy demand increases, the generation would come back to full swing.  Further, sources said wind generation would continue to remain robust till September 24.