In a significant move to bolster the efficiency of its wind power sector, India has introduced the ‘National Repowering & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2023,’ aimed at facilitating the replacement of antiquated turbines. This initiative targets the rejuvenation of the nation’s aging wind turbines, many of which were installed before 2000, by allowing the repowering or substitution of outdated turbines with more advanced models. The replacement can occur before the turbines reach the end of their designated lifespan, involving modifications to components such as gearbox, blades, generator, and controller.
As India experienced a substantial increase in wind power capacity, reaching 44.29 GW by October 2023 from 21.1 GW in March 2014, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy was spurred to reevaluate its 2016 policy. This reevaluation centers on the revitalization through repowering or refurbishing installations, addressing the outdated technology prevalent in older turbines.
Under the revised policy, wind project developers now have the flexibility to replace older turbines with more efficient and contemporary ones, even before the original design life expires. The policy also permits the refurbishment of turbines to extend their operational life, provided they adhere to necessary safety and performance standards.
The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates that India has a repowering potential of approximately 25.406 GW for turbines below 2 MW capacity, with a significant potential in Tamil Nadu projected at 7386.5 MW.
Eligibility criteria for turbines to undergo repowering or refurbishment include those not complying with the quality control order, turbines that have completed their design life, and turbines of a rated capacity below 2 MW.
The involvement of State Nodal Agencies and a Central Nodal Agency, appointed by the Central Government, is envisaged to facilitate policy implementation. The policy distinguishes between Standalone Projects, owned by a single entity, and Aggregation Projects, owned by multiple owners with shared infrastructure.
Importantly, the policy provides substantial financial incentives to promote repowering projects, encompassing loans from REC/PFC/IREDA with terms akin to those for new projects. Additionally, an extra interest rate rebate of 0.25% over the rates offered for new wind projects by IREDA is incorporated. The fiscal and financial advantages accessible to new wind projects will similarly be extended to repowering projects, contingent on specific conditions.
“This policy initiative represents a critical step towards optimizing wind energy resources in India by enhancing energy yield and adopting advanced turbine technologies. It aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to champion renewable energy and sustainable power generation,” commented an expert.
Source: ET Energy World