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03-06-2023

12:11:PM

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Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. [upsc-2022]

Approach:

  1. Introduction: Write down about wind energy and India’s wind energy potential
  2. Main body: Mention the limitations and challenges affecting spatial distribution of wind farms.
  3. Conclusion: Conclude with viable solutions.

 

Introduction:

Winds are caused by rotation of the earth and unequal heating of the atmosphere by the sun. India is a Peninsula country with a vast coastline of nearly 7600 km surrounded by open seas on three sides, which give leverage of enormous wind and tidal potential that can be harnessed for an economic energy substitute.

 

Main body:

The total installed capacity of wind power is 41 GW, i.e., about 20% of the commercially exploitable potential. This is mainly because of:

  • Maximum wind energy potential is available in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh only
  • Difficulty in land acquisition and local opposition to wind farms.
  • Higher cost of offshore wind turbines because of stronger structures and foundations needed in marine environment, as against the onshore turbines
  • Less Lucrative than solar energy due to competitive bidding, costly production and intermittent and capricious nature of wind speed.
  • Variable wind power development cost across states, unlike solar power, has centered the market in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu
  • Poor implementation of National offshore wind energy policy
  • Inadequate grid and transmission infrastructure 
  • Poor state of DISCOMS

 

Conclusion:

In order to harness maximum potential of wind energy and escalate India’s journey towards net-zero, there is a need to Repowering old turbines, bidding through a feed-in tariff mechanism, installation of solar-wind hybrid projects and revival of DISCOMs.

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