India requires quantum jump in renewable energy generation (RE) inorder ot mee the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) target of ensuring 15% RE in total energy mix by 2020
Wind power has witnessed a phenomenal growth in India over the past few years, it could make a significant contribution towards the shift to a low-carbon and energy secure future. The country's current cumulative installed capacity is 13 GW (as on Dec 2010), reaching 64 GW by 2020 (as per GWEC estimates). The current annual wind power market is about 2200 MW with forecasts predicting a 5000 MW annual market by 2015 (research done by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy).
As per NAPCC, if India needs to achieve 15% RE by 2020, wind's contribution to the total energy mix would need to transcend even greater heights, requiring an additional installed capacity of almost 50 GW by 2020, over and above the present level! Achievement of the NAPCC target thus poses several challenges to the states as well as policy makers and regulators, and wind industry stakeholders in India, who would need to rise up to the occasion and develop suitable strategies, policies and regulations to meet the NAPCC target.
This includes a major focus on augmenting the power evacuation/grid facilities and transmission planning, availability of non-recourse project financing and skilled manpower, speedy and appropriate implementation of the latest policy/regulatory measures such as renewable energy certificates (RECs) [linked with state-specific renewable purchase specification (RPS) with penal provisions for non-compliance], the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) 2010, etc.
To understand, deliberate and discuss all these critical issues and challenges related to the role of wind power in attaining the 50 GW mark by 2020, the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), Pune, in association with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association (IWTMA) is organising WIND POWER INDIA 2011 from 7-9 April 2011 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The event would witness the presence of 1000+ delegates, around 100 exhibitors and nearly 100+ renowned speakers from the national and international wind industry, according to a press release.
