State gears up to tap wind energy

The State has started producing wind energy on a commercial basis with the private sector playing a key role and technical know-how provided by Denmark, the world leader in wind power. Initially, the energy contribution to the State pool will be only a fraction of the total production. But with more companies keen on investing in the project, it is estimated that the production may reach 200 MW, sources say.The wind farm was set up after a survey of the wind path and its velocity. Six of the seven units have started supplying power to the Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) Kallar sub-station, 17 km away from the installed area.

An engineer says seven more units will be set up soon. Companies such as Etton World, Sun Star, IBN, Zenith Energy, Eastern and Miton have installed units with technical support of Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark, which at present has 35,000 wind farms the world over.Official sources say the cost of installing (excluding the land price) a wind unit is Rs.4.15 crore and the power generated is sold to the KSEB at a rate of Rs.3.15 paise a unit as fixed by the Central Regulatory Authority. Each unit now produces 500 to 600 kWh electricity and it can reach 1,500 kWh calculated at a maximum speed of 24 rpm (revolution per minute).In comparison to thermal, atomic and hydro-electric plants where pollution, waste management and ecological costs are high, wind energy, with a zero level of pollution, opens a new window as energy supplier, says an official. Though the installation cost is high, the advantage, if continuous production is possible, is that the initial loss can be compensated in due course of time.

Studies have shown that Ramakkalmedu is the most suitable place for setting up the farm, as the area is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind during the season. Studies also point out that vast areas in Munnar, Chinnakkanal, Santhanpara, Udumpanchola, Nedumkandam, Karunapuram, Vandanmedu and Chakkupallam grama panchayats bordering Tamil Nadu have the potential for setting up windmills."Though windmills have been installed on experimental basis by individuals, this is the first time that wind energy is being made commercially," says a representative of a company.An added advantage of Ramakkalmedu is that vast barren land is available for the project.

"There are parameters for setting up the units, including space and distance from each unit. At least 2.5 acres of land is needed for each unit," says the official. He says land prices have gone up ever since the project was launched. Agencies like the Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Development (ANERT) owns land at Ramakkalmedu and is on the process of installing wind energy units, it is learnt. Sources in various companies say that at least 20 wind power units will come up in the area by the end of next month. The wind farm is an added attraction to Ramakkalmedu, which is known as a major tourism spot that provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. Around 10,000 visitors come to the area each day since the launch of the windmill.

The Hindu, April 21, 2008

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