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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has revised its 2016 policy for repowering wind power projects with the introduction of the ‘National Repowering & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2023.’ This policy allows the replacement of older wind turbines with more efficient ones, even before the end of their design life, through modifications in key components such as gearbox, blades, generator, and controller.
To oversee the effective implementation of the repowering policy, MNRE is set to establish a monitoring and advisory committee, the Wind Repowering Committee. The committee will act as a liaison between industry stakeholders and government organizations, recommend policy interventions, and monitor the progress of repowering projects.
Repowering projects will be entitled to benefits and incentives to encourage development, including loans from organizations such as the Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance Corporation. IREDA will provide a 0.25% interest rate rebate and may introduce a specific debt financing product for repowering projects. The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) estimates the country’s repowering potential to be 25.4 GW.
Developers can choose between repowering or refurbishing turbines based on specified eligibility criteria. The repowered or refurbished projects must increase annual energy generation by a minimum of 1.5 times compared to the original project. Repowering projects can be standalone or aggregation projects.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) allow for continued electricity procurement during repowering, with the option to extend the existing PPA tenure. Developers have the flexibility to sell extra power, and DISCOMs/PPA owners are exempt from power supply obligations during the repowering execution period. Repowering/refurbishment projects must be commissioned within 24 months of receiving the consent letter, with partial and early commissioning permissible. The policy aims to optimize wind energy utilization and promote the latest onshore wind turbine technologies in India.
View the official document here:
