Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA) discussed land and other issues to be sorted out for making investments in Andhra Pradesh, with Energy Secretary Ajay Jain and AP-Genco MD K. Vijayanand at a Regional Interactive Workshop on Wind Energy jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and IWTMA here on Thursday.
Briefing the media, IWTMA Chairman Madhusudan Khemka said three manufacturers had evinced interest in setting up plants in Andhra Pradesh with a financial outlay of Rs. 2,000 crore over the next three to five years. Establishment of a Mega Watt of wind energy capacity entails an expenditure of Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 crore.
“The wind power policy of A.P is the best. We are looking forward to augmenting the wind energy generation capacity in the State, particularly in Anantapur and Kadapa districts, which have suitable conditions. Potential sites in the coastal areas are being explored," Mr. Khemka said.
Senior representatives of IWTMA and CII said Indian wind energy market had grown to a scale of 24 GW and stood 4th in the global market due to the strong support of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), supportive State policies and increasing private sector participation.
The estimated wind potential in the country is over 103 GW.
The Central government has plans to implement over 60 GW of wind energy by 2022 and 100 GW by 2030.
About 36 GW additional capacity was required over next seven years at the rate of more than 5 GW per annum to achieve the targets.