Union Government Launches Scheme for setting up 1000 MW CTU- connected Wind Power Project

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a scheme for setting up of 1000 Mega Watt (MW) Wind Power Project connected to transmission network of Central Transmission Utility (CTU).
The objective of the scheme is to facilitate supply of wind power to the non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process.
Key Facts

• The Scheme will encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of transparent and efficient e-auctioning and e-bidding processes.
• It will also facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of non-windy states.
• Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has been designated nodal agency for implementation of the scheme.
• The Scheme will be implemented for setting up 1000 MW capacity of CTU connected Wind Power Projects by Wind Project Developers on build, own and operate (BOOT) basis.
• However, if there is higher demand from Discoms of non-windy states the capacity may go higher than 1000 MW.

Background

• The Union Government has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 Giga Watt (GW) power capacity from clean renewable energy resources by 2022. Out of this, 60 GW target is set for wind power.
• The present installed wind power capacity in the country is nearly 26.7 GW accounting for nearly 9% of total installed capacity.
• Globally, India is at 4th position in term of installed wind power capacity after China, USA and Germany.
• The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) under the MNRE assesses the wind power potential in the country at 100 meter above ground level.
• It has estimated it over 302 GW and there are 8 windy states namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016