The Indian Wind Power Association (IWPA) has scheduled its 4th International Wind Conference - “WE20 by 2020” – for June 22 and 23 at the Codissia Trade Fair Centre in Coimbatore. The Conference is being held jointly with World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), Bonn, Germany.

IWPA Chairman and Vice President of WWEA K Kasthurirangaian told press persons here that the members would discuss and prepare a roadmap for India to have 20 per cent grid penetration by 2020.

“This would be in line with the 60 GW target set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) by 2022. The deliberations with the industry stakeholders would be the starting point for various initiatives, which we propose to undertake to achieve the target (of 60 GW) set by the Government of India.”

“The Conference and the expo – scheduled to begin a day earlier on June 21{+s}{+t} {+-} would serve as the launch pad for discussion on the relevance of National Wind Energy Mission,” the IWPA Chairman said.

With wind power projects spread across 7 states with a capacity of 22 GW and potential in excess of 102 GW at 80 m hub height, there is still huge off-shore potential, estimated at over 3000 MW. But to achieve this potential, the Governments – both at the Centre and the State – will need to act quickly to address the various issues.

At present, a project promoter has to get clearances from 18 agencies such as the navy, coast guard, ocean environment, the State Electricity Board and so on. If India should surpass Germany and Spain in wind energy installation, the industry's issues will have to be addressed without delay, Kasthurirangaian said.

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