Question : WIND ENERGY

(a) whether estimated potential of wind energy in the country is 45000 M.W. whereas only 1500 M.W. out of this is being tapped;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the present status of the country in the generation of wind energy as compared to other developing countries;

(d) the efforts being made by the Government to encourage public/private sector to tap full potential of this energy;

(e) whether some sites have been identified to tap wind energy in the country; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)

(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)&(f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT

Statement referred to in reply to the Lok Sabha Starred Question No.94 to be answered on 29th July, 2005 regarding wind energy by Shri Kailash Meghwal, Shri Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil.

(a): Yes, Sir. However, the wind power installed capacity has reached 3740 MW in the country by the end of June, 2005.

(b): The present exploitable potential has been estimated at 14,500 MW, taking into consideration the grid constraints in the potential States. The wind power projects are mostly set up as commercial projects through private investments. The setting up of further wind power capacity and tapping of exploitable potential depend mainly on the availability of financing on attractive terms and suitable policy environment for setting up of wind power projects in the potential States.

(c): India presently ranks at the first position among the developing countries.

(d): Grid interactive wind power programme is essentially private sector driven. The efforts made by the Government to promote setting up of wind power projects include concessional import duty on certain components of wind electric generator, excise duty exemption, ten years` tax holiday on income generated from wind power projects, benefit of accelerated depreciation and loan from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other financial institutions. Wind power is being given preferential tariff in potential States. Continuous efforts are made to identify new wind power potential areas through wind resource assessment studies.

(e)&(f): Under the wind resource assessment programme of the Ministry, a total of 211 sites have so far been identified in 13 States and Union Territories, which can be considered suitable for setting up wind power projects. The wind resource assessment programme is being continued in order to cover more States and new areas for identification of further potential sites for wind power projects.