According to Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) the wind energy sector in Ithe country is all set to add over 5,000 Mw  generation capacity per annum by 2015. “India has potential of generating about 48,000 Mw power through wind energy. With the availability of new technology through powerful and taller masts, the total potential can be pegged at about 1.2 lakh Mw,” said D V Giri, Chairman of the IWTMA.

He said the cost of production of a Mw of power would be Rs 5 to 6.5 crore which is much cheaper than solar energy. According to the data available with the association, the country today has about 11,000 Mw of installed wind energy capacity and the utilisation (plant load factor) is between 15 to 20 per cent.

The association with 13 wind turbine and related equipment manufacturers has also been lobbying for policy reforms in expanding the wind energy generation. According to Giri, 1,485 Mw capacity was added to the sector in 2008-09, and in 2009-10, it was about 1,576 Mw. During the current year, the industry hopes to see an addition of about 2,000-2,200 Mw.   News Agencies

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