Gujarat is looking at INR200 billion wind energy projects to come its way in the Vibrant Gujarat summit. The state has announced an amendment in wind power policy offering a purchase rate of INR3.50 per unit as against INR3.37 fixed in 2008. The state has made it obligatory for distribution licensee to purchase at least 10% of power produced from wind energy in a year, from 2% earlier. The government decided to amend policy as new proposals worth 3000 megawatt (MW) will be coming up in Gujarat.
New projects include Suzlon Energy Limited’s (Suzlon) proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth INR50 billion for expanding its wind power capacity by 1,500 MW, Eneron expanding its wind power capacity by 600 MW and Abelon deciding to set up a 1000 MW wind power plant.
In all, MoUs for a wind power capacity of 3,000 MW will be signed at the summit, a senior official said, adding, There are also smaller players in the field keen on setting plants for 100 MW.
At present, Suzlon has set up wind power turbines with a capacity of 800 MW between Jakhau and Surajbari in Kutch district and Enercon India Limited has put up similar turbines with a capacity of 400 MW.
Gujarat wants to take its wind capacity to the assessed potential of 9,675 MW.
The wind power policy will be applicable to all renewable sources of energy, including biomass, bagasse co-generation, mini and micro hydel and geo-thermal and solar. An official said, We have some proposals for biomass as well, though they have not yet been concretised.