‘Wind Power India 2011’ To Chart Roadmap For Additional 50 Gw By 2020
Posted on: 24/Feb/2011 11:22:43 PM
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) announced in June 2008 by the Govt. of India proposes increasing the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix to 15% by 2020. In order to achieve this, NAPCC recommends pegging the minimum share of renewable energy 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 renewable energy generation across the country.
Wind power 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 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 to 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! This poses several challenges for policy makers and regulators, and wind 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 industry.
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.
