The Hindu Business Line : Wind power capacity additions on decline

COIMBATORE: Annual capacity additions of wind power in India have been declining in the last two years and the sector requires state support as it plays “timely saviour's role” in the summer season, Indian Wind Power Association Chairman Mr K Kastooriran gaian said.

After reaching a peak growth of 1,742 MW during 2006-07, the annual capacity additions went on a declining trend, adding 1,499.6 MW during 2008-09 against 1,663.3 MW in 2007-08, pushing the country to the fifth place in the world in terms of installed ca pacity, Mr Kastoorirangaian, the newly-elected Chairman, said.

The cumulative installed capacity of wind power in India stood at 10,256.8 MW at the end of March 2009, he said. Unattractive tariff for wind energy was not commensurate with the investment level required to the declining growth rate, he said adding risi ng cost of wind turbines and wind electric generators also contributed to the downward trend.

Stating that income from wind energy should be exempted from minimum alternate tax, Mr Kastoorirangaian said the sector should be accorded priority sector status for financial wind power projects, with rooftop wind mills to be given financial investment incentive.

The State Electricity Board should be friendly to the sector keeping in mind the 'timely saviour's role' performed by them during summer months, he said. - PTI

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