Odisha is poised to become the latest addition to the roster of Indian states embracing the wind energy sector, as confirmed by D. V. Giri, Secretary-General of the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA). Currently, wind power plants thrive in eight states across India, blessed with favorable wind conditions: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Odisha’s entry into this renewable energy domain involves offering 500 MW of capacity through the ‘feed-in tariff’ mechanism, complemented by incentives for turbines and components manufactured within the state. The ‘feed-in tariff’ (FiT) guarantees a fixed, per kWhr price for supplied electricity, providing more stability for energy companies compared to tariffs established through competitive bidding.
Giri made this announcement during a curtain raiser event for Windergy 2023, an annual wind industry conference slated to take place in Chennai from October 4 to 6, marking its return after an 11-year hiatus. Reflecting on emerging states embracing wind energy due to technological advancements, Giri highlighted Odisha’s proactive approach.
In recent times, the Odisha government convened a meeting with IWTMA, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the National Institute of Wind Energy to invite the industry to the state. Additionally, Odisha has published a background paper detailing its wind energy potential off the state’s coast and expressed interest in promoting inland waterway transportation.
The state’s enthusiasm for renewable energy stems from its ambition to establish green hydrogen manufacturing facilities at Paradip and Gopalpur ports. In February, the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology (iFOREST) released a report highlighting Odisha’s renewable energy potential, with a focus on solar energy, which it estimated at 170 GW. The report also identified 86 locations with favorable wind conditions across 16 districts.
Dr. Saravanan Manickam, CEO of Nordex, a wind turbine manufacturer, highlighted the industry’s advancements, with machines now boasting capacities exceeding 5 GW and taller towers, reaching up to 150 meters. These turbines, equipped with larger blade spans, can efficiently generate electricity even at lower wind speeds, around 6 meters per second, making regions like Odisha viable for wind energy projects.
Windergy 2023 is expected to draw over 6,000 delegates, offering a platform to discuss the industry’s challenges and prospects. The event will occupy 4,400 sq m of space, featuring 180 exhibitors with the support of 23 sponsors.
After a period of sluggish performance, the wind energy sector is witnessing a resurgence this year. India currently boasts just over 44 GW of wind power capacity, with an additional 5,000 MW expected to be added in 2023-24. Parag Sharma, President of the Wind Independent Power Producers’ Association (WIPPA), anticipates sustained momentum in capacity expansion, driven in part by the growing market of ‘commercial and industrial’ customers.
Sharma emphasized the growing trend of supplying round-the-clock renewable electricity, highlighting the complementary roles of wind and solar energy in achieving this goal.
Prasanta Patnaik