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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) along with a research-based think tank, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), organised a stakeholder consultation workshop in New Delhi on 12 November to explore the potential of small wind turbines, signalling the government’s growing interest in diverse sources of renewable energy for electrification.
Although wind energy has been explored in rural areas and hilly terrains, its applicability is hindered in urban areas due to low wind speed and turbulence. However, recent advances in technology have triggered a change allowing the exploration of small wind turbines in multiple settings, even in urban areas and on rooftops.
Speaking at the workshop, Shri Lalit Bohra, Joint Secretary, MNRE, pointed out that distributed renewable energy systems are important in the Indian context to enhance access to reliable, durable, and clean energy.
‘While a lot of work has been done in solar, there is a need to explore how small wind turbines can be made commercially and technically viable. We are working with CSTEP to understand where we are and how to go from here’, he said.
Saptak Ghosh, Senior Policy Specialist, CSTEP, said that ‘This workshop is the first step in collecting data and evidence to identify and leverage the potential of small wind turbines to provide affordable and clean electricity to all Indians, including those living in remote areas’.
While highlighting the potential for small wind turbines for decentralised energy access, industry players present during the workshop also pointed out a few challenges, including lack of data, the need for certification and standardisation, and the importance of financial instruments and policy levers to encourage the growth of the sector and ensure its potential is leveraged completely.
Dr Jami Hossain, Honorary Vice President and Technical Chair of the World Wind Energy Association pointed out that while India is abundant in wind energy, the data is missing.
‘There are innumerable applications and diverse technology; however, there is not enough data on installation experiences. We also need to create a wind map that’s applicable for small wind turbines in cities, settlements, and road centres’, he said. Dr Hossain also highlighted the need for a multipronged approach by MNRE, involving organisations such as the National Institute of Wind Energy, to come up with new and relevant testing and certification processes that would help entrepreneurs and move the technology forward.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Gajjala Suryaprakash, Archimedes Green Energy Private Limited said that ‘The small wind turbines market is projected to reach a market size of 38.5 billion USD by 2028’.
