Wind power generation falls steeply in State

According to data from the utility, the windmills generated 8,483 million units (MU) between April and August this year as against 9,767 MU in the same period last year.

“Even if we account for fall in year-on-year wind availability, estimated to be down by around 15 per cent to 20 per cent, there has been a significant fall in wind energy in July. That month, windmills generated 1,536 MU as against 2,355 MU last July. There was slight increase in August – 1,935 MU when compared to 2,324 MU last August,” a wind power generator said.

In Tamil Nadu, windy season is from May to September when 75 per cent of wind energy is generated. “But 30-40 per cent wind energy is not evacuated by TNEB, resulting to a huge loss to generators. Curtailment of wind energy continues in Tamil Nadu, despite interim orders by the High Court not to reduce it. System Operators (SLDC) get away with excuses of faulty forecasting and grid safety. The Centre needs to look into it,” said another generator.

But a senior Tangedco official said that the fall in wind power absorption was mostly due to the COVID-19 lockdown. “Overall, power consumption has not recovered fully yet in the State. But we have taken every possible steps, including backing down Tangedco’s and central thermal power plants to accommodate the renewable power,” the official said. The peak wind power generation season has come to an end with the onset of the northeast monsoon, the official added.