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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a draft of revised guidelines for the installation of prototype wind turbine models in India. These guidelines are open for stakeholder consultation and are intended to replace the earlier versions issued in 2012 and amended in 2012 and 2016. The purpose of the revised guidelines is to promote the testing and certification of wind turbines by allowing the installation of a limited number of prototypes across the country. These updated rules apply to all wind turbine manufacturers operating in India who want to install and synchronize prototype wind turbines with the Indian power grid.
According to the new guidelines, it is suggested that land should be allocated based on the physical footprint required for prototype installation. The installation of such wind turbines will only be allowed under certain conditions and strictly for type testing. This testing is necessary to obtain type certification from internationally accredited certifying agencies.
The National Institute of Wind Energy, located in Chennai, has been designated as the implementing agency for these guidelines. Manufacturers will need to submit specific information and documentation as per the format given by NIWE to receive a recommendation allowing the installation of a prototype wind turbine for testing and synchronization with the grid.
The type of certification must follow internationally accepted schemes such as IECRE OD 501 and IS/IEC 61400-22:2010. The testing and certification must be done only by accredited international agencies. Manufacturers must submit a prototype certificate for the specific model they wish to install, along with signed contracts for testing and certification from approved bodies.
The prototype certificate will remain valid for a maximum of three years. An extension can be granted if the manufacturer complies with relevant conditions and submits a revised certificate. They must also provide a list of any changes or new parts made in the turbine and receive approval from NIWE. An annual update on the status of type testing and certification must also be submitted to NIWE.
Regular operation and maintenance of the prototype turbines are mandatory. The type certification agency will provide yearly reports on the maintenance status, and failure to comply could lead to the turbine being disconnected from the grid. Manufacturers have up to three years from the date of the NIWE recommendation letter to complete testing and obtain a valid type certificate. If the certificate is not submitted on time, the turbine may be disconnected and removed at the manufacturer’s cost.
Additionally, the turbines must be commissioned or synchronized with the grid within 18 months from the date of recommendation by NIWE. A certificate of commissioning or a grid synchronization report issued by the respective state utility or government agency must be submitted immediately after this process.
The guidelines also emphasize the use of the number of turbines rather than megawatt capacity due to the availability of high-capacity turbines in the market. These turbines cannot be sold or mass-produced until the model is included in the official Revised List of Models and Manufacturers of wind turbines. All components used must be new, and the use of second-hand parts is not permitted. Changes to already installed prototypes are allowed under certain conditions.
Manufacturers must also submit an affidavit and indemnity bond to NIWE and the state utility, ensuring compliance with all conditions. If any of the terms are violated, the permission for installation and testing may be withdrawn without notice to ensure safety and security.
