The Union Government’s target of producing 60 GW of wind energy by 2022 can be achieved if low wind sites are harnessed with proper technology, said Suzlon Group Chairman, Tulsi Tanti.

In a recent interaction with media persons via a video link from Germany, Tanti said that in the next five-six years Indian wind energy market is likely to grow by 30 per cent, but the challenge for the growth would be finding high wind sites as most of such sites have already been utilised by wind energy companies. Therefore, low wind sites with wind speeds of about 6.5 meters per second will have to be developed.

Tanti said Suzlon has already developed a turbine S-111 (120 m tower) prototype, which is expected to provide a PLF (plant load factor) of 40 per cent for such sites, he said. The S-111 turbine is undergoing testing at a wind farm in Kutch, Gujarat, and is expected to be commercially available for installation in FY-17. Tanti pointed that the wind power sector is also facing further difficulties in terms of rising cost of wind turbines, while the per unit tariff of wind farms continue to fall, therefore, it is crucial for the company to bring in new technology and innovations.

He said falling tariff rates can impact the IRR (internal rate of return) of the wind projects and banks are not willing to finance projects when the IRR falls below 13 per cent. Hence, technological innovation is crucial for harnessing low wind sites and make projects viable at lower tariff. The Suzlon chief said that solar and wind power sources are complementary as the wind blows with greater speed during early morning and late evening hours, while the sun shines during the daylight hours.

Therefore, Suzlon is in the process of developing such hybrid sites, where 500 MW of wind turbines and 250 MW solar power panels would be installed, he said.

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