The Ministry of Power has instructed that Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) that operate at full capacity up to 40°C, without losing efficiency, in line with the IEC 61400-1 standard, should be considered when determining the extent of grid connectivity.

If WTGs start losing efficiency before 40°C, the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) will be given a chance to modify the turbine design to deliver full output up to at least 40°C for connectivity consideration.

For WTGs that operate at full capacity up to 40°C but lose efficiency at the extreme temperatures specified by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations, grid connectivity will be granted based on their reduced efficiency at these extreme temperatures. If there is no de-rating of WTGs up to the stipulated extreme temperature at the site, their full capacity will be considered when determining connectivity.

In hybrid wind-solar projects, the combined capacity of wind turbines and solar inverters at the extreme temperatures specified by the CEA will determine grid connectivity.

These directives followed a meeting held by the CEA to address pending applications for grid connectivity (CON-4) and Facility to Connect (FTC) approvals for wind power projects. The meeting was convened in response to concerns the Wind Power Producers Association raised regarding difficulties in securing these approvals.

The challenges primarily arise from stringent conditions that require wind turbines to operate without de-rating at the extreme temperatures specified by CEA’s procedures for wind locations across India.

As of the latest data, ten projects with a combined connectivity capacity of approximately 3,000 MW are awaiting approval. They include three wind power and three wind-solar hybrid projects with a total capacity of 1,995.9 MW in the Southern Region and four wind power projects with a combined capacity of 947 MW in the Western Region.

During the meeting, CTUIL representatives explained that the IEC 61400-1 standard, which applies to wind turbines, sets the normal operating temperature range between -10°C and +40°C, with an extreme range of -20°C to +50°C. They discussed whether the reduced efficiency of turbines at 40°C should be considered when determining grid connectivity.

CTUIL officials emphasized that while IEC standards are globally recognized, CEA’s regulations require adjustments to account for Indian conditions, including local temperatures. Wind turbines must be designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions specific to their locations.

Grid-India emphasized that wind turbines must meet IEC standards while also being capable of operating under the severe conditions expected at their sites, even for specialized turbines designed for specific environments.

India added 770 MW of wind energy capacity in Q2 2024, down 32% year-over-year from 1,139.9 MW in Q2 2023. The capacity additions fell 33% quarter-over-quarter, according to Mercom India Research.

In December 2023, MNRE revised its 2016 policy for repowering wind power projects to facilitate the replacement of older turbines.