T.N. releases amended policy for repowering wind mills

The Tamil Nadu government has announced an amended Repowering Policy for wind mills in the State.

In an order dated January 14, it said that with respect to wind energy generators commissioned before April 1, 2016, the wind mill owners should mandatorily opt for repowering or refurbishment or life extension on completion of 20 years of operational life. In respect of wind energy generators commissioned on or after April 1, 2016, the requirement of undertaking repowering or refurbishment or life extension may be applied after the completion of 25 years of operational life.

Such projects will be considered for repowering, provided they lead to increase in the annual energy generation. The increase will be on pro-rata basis based on the capacity repowered/added through repowering.

In respect of development charges, the amount of Rs.30 lakhs per MW is meant only for the incremental repowered capacity. However, for the existing wind capacity a nominal charge of Rs.5 lakhs per MW shall be applicable.

Wind mills that have completed the life period of 20 years and those with average generation for the last three financial years not less than 70 % of the rated generation certified by independent agency like NIWE are eligible for life extension, according to the amended policy.

The annual banking of wind energy generated will continue and the annual banking period will be from April1 to March 31, surplus unutilised banked energy at the end of every financial year should be paid at 75% of tariff fixed by TNERC, and slot to slot use of banked energy will be permitted, it said. Peak hour generation is allowed for adjustment in the normal hours and in off-peak hours, the policy said.

The Southern India Mills Association has welcomed the amended policy saying it will strengthen the competitiveness of Tamil Nadu’s textile industry vis-à-vis other States as the industry will have green energy.