PROMOTIONAL POLICIES
Both fiscal incentives and promotional
measures initiated by the Ministry have helped the accelerated development of wind power development in the country.
The package of incentives available
for wind energy projects included tax concessions such as 80 per cent accelerated depreciation, tax holiday for power generation
projects, loans from IREDA, customs and excise duty relief, liberalised foreign investment procedures, etc. Preferential tariff
are being reviewed by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs). Three States namely Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
and Maharashtra have so far announced promotional policies through their respective ERCs. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory
Commission (MERC) has recently passed its order for making purchase of electricity generated from renewable sources obligatory
for all utilities in Maharashtra.
This Renewable Purchase Obligation
(RPO) shall be applicable from financial year 2004-05. The operational details of mechanism are being worked out. Karnataka
Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed that each distribution licencee shall purchase a minimum quantum of 5% and
maximum quantum of 10% electricity annually from renewable sources expressed as a percentage of its total consumption.
SMALL WIND ENERGY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS
Small wind energy systems, namely water pumping windmills, aerogenerators and wind-solar hybrid
systems can also be used for harnessing wind power potential, in addition to the large capacity wind turbines. These systems
have been found to be very useful for meeting water pumping and small power requirements in decentralised mode in rural and
remote windy areas of the country, which are unelectrified or have intermittent electric supply. The Ministry has been implementing
a programme on “Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems” for promoting these systems in the country through the
State nodal
agencies. The main objectives of the programme are:
(i) Field testing, demonstration, strengthening manufacturing base, training
and awareness of water pumping windmills, aerogenerators/ hybrid systems, and
(ii) Undertaking research & development for improvement of designs and efficiency
of these systems, and also to make them cost effective.
tate
| Gross Potential
| Technical
Potential
|
Andhra Pradesh
| 8275
| 1750
|
Gujarat
| 9675
| 1780
|
Karnataka
| 6620
| 1120
|
Kerala
| 875
| 605
|
Madhya
Pradesh
| 5500
| 825
|
Maharashtra
| 3650
| 3020
|
Orissa
| 1700
| 680
|
Rajasthan
| 5400
| 895
|
Tamilnadu
| 4050
| 1750
|
West Bengal
| 450
| 450 |
#WIND POWER POTENTIAL (MNRES 2008