The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) announced in June 2008 by the Govt. of India proposes increasing the share of renewable energy (RE) in the total energy mix to 15% by 2020. In order to achieve this, NAPCC recommends pegging the minimum share of RE in the national grid at 5%, starting from 2009-10, to be increased by 1% per annum in the following years so as to reach 15% by 2020. This requires a quantum jump in RE generation across the country.
Wind energy which has witnessed a phenomenal growth in India over the past few years could make a significant contribution towards the shift to a low-carbon and energy secure future. The country’s current cumulative installed wind farm capacity is 13 GW (as on Dec 2010), reaching 64 GW by 2020 (as per GWEC estimates). The current annual wind power market is about 2200 MW with forecasts predicting a 5000 MW annual market by 2015 (research done by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy).
As per NAPCC, if India needs to achieve 15% RE by 2020, wind’s contribution toe the total energy mix would need to transcend even greater heights, requiring an additional installed capacity of almost 50 GW by 2020, over and above the present level! Achievement of the NAPCC target thus poses several challenges to the states as well as policy makers and regulators, and wind energy industry stakeholders in India, who would need to rise up to the occasion and develop suitable strategies, policies and regulations to meet the NAPCC target.
This includes a major focus on augmenting the power evacuation/grid facilities and transmission planning, availability of non-recourse project financing and skilled manpower, speedy and appropriate implementation of the latest policy/regulatory measures such as renewable energy certificates (RECs) [linked with state-specific renewable purchase specification (RPS) with penal provisions for non-compliance], the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) 2010, etc.
To understand, deliberate and discuss all these critical issues and challenges related to the role of wind power in attaining the 50 GW mark by 2020, the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), Pune, in association with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA) is organising WIND POWER INDIA 2011 from 7-9 April 2011 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The event would witness the presence of 1000+ delegates, around 100 exhibitors and nearly 100+ renowned speakers from the national and international wind turbines industry.
The state of Karnataka has to play a major role in meeting the national renewable energy target by adding more wind power capacity in the state. Karnataka has an untapped identified wind power potential of around 7015 MW (82% of identified potential) as per C-WET potential assessment study. The recent Renewable Energy Policy (for year 2009-14) issued by the Government of Karnataka has specified a targeted wind farm capacity addition of 2969 MW during the policy tenure envisaging total investment of the order of Rs.15,680 crore in the wind sector in the state.
The opening day of the conference is highlighted by the main panel discussion on the role that wind power would play in achieving the 15% RE target by 2020. The theme paper on the subject would be presented by G M Pillai, Founder Director General, WISE, and the panel discussion on the topic would feature distinguished personalities including V P Raja, Chairperson, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC); Jan Declercq, Chief Business Development Officer, CG Power, Belgium; and Jose Donoso, Director-Business Development, Gamesa, and President, Spanish Wind Energy Association.
Some other major distinguished speakers who would be present at the conference include, Hans Jorgen Koch, Dy. Secretary of State, Danish Energy Agency; Steve Sawyer, Secretary General, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Belgium; Dr Klaus Rave, Chairperson, GWEC; Christian Kjaer, CEO, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), Belgium; Stephen Miner, Sr. Vice President, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA); Dr Andrew Garrad, CEO, GL-Garrad Hassan, UK; Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. of India; and Dr Pramod Deo, Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, New Delhi.
The opening day would also feature the CEO’s Forum, wherein chieftains of the wind turbines industry would congregate on one single dais to discuss wind power development in south and south-east Asia. In addition, the conference would also focus on issues related to the role of wind power in climate mitigation; policy, regulation and market development of wind; technology, project development and operation of wind.
The official side event, a ‘One-day conference on Small Wind Power’-aimed at tapping the huge opportunities for expansion of the small wind turbines and hybrid market in the country-would be organised on 8 April 2011. The main objective of the side-event is to demystify the small wind and hybrid sector so as to increase transparency, infuse investor confidence, and overall, change the dynamism of the ‘small’ wind energy market into a ‘big’ investment opportunity.
The conference would also feature Knowledge Fora-a series of official side events comprising customised business meets and workshops offering unique networking opportunities. Under the Business to Business meet format, select suppliers and service providers will have the opportunity to present cost optimisation opportunities and strategies, customised business proposals, technology updates, product ranges, and service solutions in their area of specialisation in the wind industry. The topics for the fora include: Structuring optimization: wind turbine tower and hub; Gearing up: mechanical drive train; Generating savings: wind turbine electricals, electronics and services; Wind power forecasting in India; and Design, testing and certification of wind turbines.
A major highlight of the conference would be the presentation of ‘Wind India Awards’. These awards are an initiative of WISE and were first instituted during WIND INDIA 2006 in Pune. The awards are in recognition of the contributions made by the Indian wind industry and associated stakeholders in shaping a ‘clean and green India’, and would be presented in 17 different categories for the FY 2008-09 to 2009-10. The major categories include ‘Best capacity addition by manufacturer’; ‘Best service provider among manufacturers’; ‘Best O&M independent service provider’; Best performing wind turbine’; ‘Best wind power developer state’; "Best wind power project financier’, Best media report/publication on wind power, etc., including select awards for the small wind and hybrid sector in India.
The World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) is a not-for-profit institute committed to the cause of promoting sustainable energy and sustainable development, with specific emphasis on issues related to renewable energy, energy security and climate change. Since its inception in 2004, WISE has pioneered many important initiatives. Some of these include, piloting a model Renewable Energy Law for India, proposing a roadmap for generation-based incentives (GBI) for wind and solar power, developing state-level action plans for clean energy technologies, etc.
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is the credible and representative forum for the entire wind energy sector at the international level. With a combined membership of over 1,500 organisations, GWEC’s member associations represent the entire wind energy community. GWEC’s mission is to ensure that wind power establishes itself as one of the world’s leading energy sources, providing substantial environmental and economic benefits.
The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA) is the only body representing the country’s wind turbine manufacturers, providing a single contact point for policy makers, regulators and utilities at the national and state level. IWTMA’s main objective is to promote wind energy in India, facilitate the extension of knowledge in the field and interact with national and global energy bodies. IWTMA is a founding member of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) alongside other national and regional associations.
