Mains Daily Question
Dec. 18, 2023
Q.2) What are the current challenges faced in the wind energy sector in India? Suggest some measures to overcome these challenges. (10M/150W)
|
Approach to the answer Understanding and structuring the answer: The question has three main parts – 1) challenges in wind energy sector, and 2)Measures to overcome these challenges. Introduction: Type 1: Give India’s state of wind energy Type 2: Write about the benefits of wind energy Body: Heading 1: Challenges in producing wind energy Heading 2: Measures to promote wind energy Conclusion: Write about the need to promote wind energy to meet India’s Panchamrit Commitments.
|
Answer:
Wind Energy is a clean and renewable energy source, and India is the 4th largest producer of wind power in the world. The distribution of wind energy is mostly concentrated along the coastal states in India. Presently, Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of wind energy in India.
Additional information:The distribution of Wind Energy in India:● Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu tops the list of states with the largest installed wind power generation capacity in the country. Share of wind power in electricity generation was around 28% in 2018. Total wind capacity at the end of 2018 stood at 8,631 MW while its total installed electricity generation capacity stood at 30,447 MW at the end of 2018. ● Gujarat – Gujarat houses the second-largest installed wind power generation capacity in the country. Share of wind power in electricity generation was around 19% in 2018. ● Maharashtra – Maharashtra houses the third-largest installed wind power generation capacity in the country. ● Karnataka – Karnataka houses the fourth-largest installed wind power generation capacity in the country. ● Rajasthan – Rajasthan houses the fifth-largest installed wind power generation capacity in the country. Wind contributes around 20% of total electricity generated in the state. |
|
Challenges in producing wind energy |
- Increased Installation Costs: In India, there is a scarcity of local substructure producers, installation vessels, and well-trained staff. Offshore wind turbines necessitate more durable construction and foundations than onshore wind turbines do. Increased installation costs may result as a result of this.
- Increased Maintenance Costs: Wind turbines can be damaged by the action of waves and even powerful winds, which can occur particularly during storms or hurricanes. At some point, offshore wind farms will require maintenance that is both more expensive and more complex to complete.
- Underutilized potential: Only a fraction of the country’s wind potential has been tapped.
○ For instance, the commercially exploitable potential of wind energy in India is estimated to be more than 200 gigawatts (GW). As of May 2022, the total installed capacity of wind power was 41 GW, i.e., about 20% of the commercially exploitable potential.
- Slow Capacity addition: The reasons for slow capacity addition include-
○ Shift in tariff system from feed-in-tariff (guaranteed above-market price for producers) to tariff determination by competitive bidding.
○ Aggressive bidding by developers.
- Neglect of wind energy: The committee believed that solar energy has been prioritized over wind energy.
○ For example, From March 2014 to May 2022, the installed capacity of wind power has increased by 93% as compared to a 2064% increase in solar power. (Standing Committee on Energy, 2022)
- Inefficient turbines: The sites with the greatest wind speeds were chosen for wind power generation in the 1980s. However, turbines have not been upgraded since then.
- Non-Payment of Dues: Due to their weak financial position, DISCOMS is not able to pay their dues.
○ For example, as of March 2022, a payment of Rs 14,247 crore to wind energy developers was overdue.
- Environmental Issues: Many birds hitting the wind turbines affects/damage turbines.
○ For example, the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
|
Measures to promote wind energy |
- Offshore Wind: There is a need to explore the potential of offshore wind power in different coastal states.
○ For example, offshore wind energy potential was estimated to be about 70 GW off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- Hybrid Solar-Wind Projects: Wind and Solar energy are complementary to each other as solar power is harnessed during the day and wind power projects are productive during the night.
○ For example, Adani Green commissioned India’s first Solar-Wind Hybrid plant in Jaisalmer.
- Renewable Purchase Obligation: Separate sub-target for procurement of wind energy by the developers can be considered.
- Turbines: There is a need to replace old and less efficient turbines with advanced turbines. Also, there should be proper guidelines for recycling old turbines.
- International Collaboration: Active collaboration with countries doing well in wind power generation can help in learning best practices.
○ For example, India and France signed an MoU to promote research in renewable sector, which includes wind energy.
Unlike Solar energy, India has strong domestic manufacturing in the wind energy sector. The development of wind energy is in line with India’s commitment to generate 50% of its electricity needs through renewable sources.
