Question : WIND POWER PROJECTS

(a) the details of the total wind power potential available vis-à-vis the total power generated through wind power in the country at present, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has identified certain locations for setting up of wind power projects in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(d) the details of funds earmarked/released for implementation of wind power projects in the country during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the action plan formulated by the Government for increasing wind power generation and tapping vast potential of wind power in the country during the Twelfth Five Year Plan?

THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a): Yes, Madam. As per the Indian Wind Atlas prepared by Centre for Wind Energy Technology, Chennai, the wind power potential in the country is estimated at 49,130 MW. The State/UTs-wise details are given at Annexure-I. Out of existing potential, a wind power capacity of 17,353 MW has been installed in the country. The State- wise details are given at Annexure-II.

(b): Ministry has established 653 wind monitoring stations in the country through Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai for caring out wind resource assessment. The wind data of these locations is available with C-WET and is used by developers for setting up of wind power projects.

(c): The State-wise details of the locations are given at Annexure-III.

(d): Ministry provides funds under wind power porgramme to C-WET and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for various activities, which are not allocated/ released State-wise. The total funds released in last three years and current year are given at Annexure-IV.

(e): A target of 15,000 MW has been set for 12th Five Year Plan. The Government is promoting wind power projects through private sector investment by providing fiscal and promotional incentives such as concessional import duty on certain components of wind electric generators and excise duty exemption to manufacturers. 10 years tax holiday on income generated from wind power projects is also available. Loans for installing windmills are available from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other Financial Institutions. Technical support including wind resource assessment is provided by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai. This apart, preferential tariff is being provided in potential states.