Telangana to come out with wind energy policy

In a major boost to the renewable energy sector, the Telangana government is planning to come out with a policy framework to encourage wind energy projects.

In the past, Telangana region/ state has not been considered an ideal location due to its low wind speeds. However, with new generation equipment which is considered more efficient than those in the past, it is now possible to generate power from windmills in the state.

A study conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy has projected the potential for generating about 4500 MW of wind power in the state, according to TS Transco Chairman and Managing Director D Prabhakar Rao.

The old districts of Medak, Ranga Reddy and Mahaboobngar are being considered as locations for wind power projects in the state.

To encourage setting up of wind power generation farms, the state is set to come out with a comprehensive policy, which has already been prepared but awaiting final approval.

After the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao gives his assent, it would be formally announced.

Independent power producer Mytrah Energy Ltd has set up a 108 MW wind generation farm in Nazeerabad area in Parigi mandal of Vikarabad district in the state.

Since its formation in June 2014, Telangana has been pursuing the development of renewable energy projects, both solar and now wind energy. This move has been a major success with the state increasing the installed capacity of solar power generation from barely 48 MW in June 2014 to over 2,275 mega watts (2.2 giga watt).

The state had come out with a separate solar power generation policy, which encouraged distributed power generation as against the solar park concept promoted in several other states.

The state had floated tenders for 2903 MW of solar power and memorandums to the effect were inked.

If the plans unfold in line with the long-term strategy, the state Genco hopes to generate about 5000 MW (5 GW) of solar power over the next two-three years.

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