Power generation from wind has emerged as one of the most
rapidly growing renewable energy technologies. The estimated power
generation capacity in India through wind is about 45,000 MW. The
installed capacity is about 1,870 MW, which is about 4% of the total
estimated potential.
Globally, wind generation capacity has increased by 27% in
the year 2002 and is expected to expand 15 – fold in the next 20
years. Wind energy technologies have matured and large capacity wind
turbines in the range of 1.25 to 1.65 MW are now being manufactured
in India.
The productivity of larger capacity machines is higher than that of
smaller machines. Minimum wind velocity required for power generation
is about 2.5 m/s and the maximum could be 30 m/s.
Energy generation for 1 MW turbine could be about 28 to 30
lakhs units per year, with a plant load factor of 25 to 30% Among the
different renewable energy sources, wind energy is currently making a
significant contribution to the installed capacity of power generation,
and is emerging as a competitive option. The programme covers research
and development, survey and assessment of wind
resources, implementation of demonstration and private sector
projects and promotional policies. As a result, India, with an installed capacity of about 3000 MW, ranks fifth
in the world after Germany, USA, Spain and Denmark in
wind
power generation.
Small wind energy systems, namely water pumping
windmills, aero generators 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 un-electrified or have intermittent electric supply.