Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) has started using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to measure the performance of wind projects installed across the state.

The distribution company aims to remotely track real-time data measured through GPS installed on wind power projects. The use of GPS is expected to help TANGEDCO increase efficiency and transparency in the billing procedure with the developers.

An official from TANGEDCO said “GPS data provides us with more accurate and transparent information from wind energy developers. Also, the number of active and inactive wind power generating plants can be measured with the help of the technology.”

An official working with a wind power developer which is operating in the state, confirmed the news on the condition of anonymity, saying, “TANGEDCO has been using GPS to track our projects for the past few months.”

The industry hopes that this could speed up the payment to developers also as payment delays are a common problem in Tamil Nadu.

In a recent article, Mercom analyzed the domestic wind sector and how the introduction of reverse auctions has led to its turnaround in the past few years.

In November 2018, Mercom reported on the news of TANGEDCO issuing a tender for 500 MW of wind power projects in the state; the DISCOM capped bids with a fixed ₹2.65 (~$0.037)/kWh as the upper tariff ceiling for this tender. A single bidder was mandated to bid for a minimum capacity of 25 MW with at least a 5 MW project at one site. TANGEDCO was expected to enter 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the successful bidders.

Shaurya is a staff reporter at MercomIndia.com with experience working in the Indian solar energy industry for the past four years in various roles. Prior to joining Mercom, Shaurya worked with a renewable energy developer and a consulting company. Shaurya holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.