Wind energy major Suzlon has developed a new hybrid wind turbine generator that is nearly one-and-a-half times taller than the conventional wind turbine.
The first of the 120 m tall hybrid tower was launced at a wind farm at Naniber in Kutch diistrict of Gujarat by the State Chief Minister, Anandiben Patel.
The wind farm currently has an installed capacity of 1,100 MW and Suzlon expects to take this to 2,000 MW in the next 3-4 years.
"As the wind speed increases at more heights, this turbine will produce 12-15 per cent higher energy at the same location making the project competitive and viable," Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, Suzlon Group, said.
The new turbine, whose cost is around 5 per cent higher, can produce around 56 lakh units per annum against 50 lakh units for the 90 m turbine.
As it is suited for low wind speed sites, the potential for wind energy in India can double from 1,00,000 MW, he said.