Record level of wind power produced
On Tuesday, Gujarat saw its highest ever levels of power generation from wind energy, thanks to high wind velocities on its coast and steadily increasing generation capacity. Wind power generation in the state reached a record 3,460MW on June 20, 2017. The rise also come as a major relief to GUVNL, which is currently getting less from private companies under power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Confirming that wind power generation touched record levels on Wednesday, Pankaj Joshi, managing director, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), said, “Wind power generation has been gradually increasing in Gujarat. Last year alone GUVNL had inked new power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 1,000MW. Wind power generation has been accorded ‘must run’ status in the state. Wind projects are well integrated for power evacuation and there are no transmission constraints in Gujarat.”
Power sector experts attribute high wind velocity and growing generation capacity to the increased wind power generation in the state. According to data from the Union ministry of new and renewable energy, of all the states, Gujarat added the second highest wind power generation capacity, 1,275MW, in 2016-17. The state currently has total installed capacity of 5,339MW.
“Record wind energy generation partially helped GUVNL meet the total electricity requirements of the state without buying electricity from gas-based power projects,” said K K Bajaj, a city-based energy expert.
Wind power production has picked up at a time when the state-run power utility has been getting less power from private sector power producers for quite a while. “The increase in wind and solar power has helped GUVNL ease the shortage caused by less supply from private companies,” said industry players.
GUVNL is bullish on green power to meet its future needs. The state entity recently invited bids to purchase 1,000MW of renewable energy. Last week, GUVNL floated tenders to procure 500MW each from wind and solar power projects, to fulfil its renewable power purchase obligations (RPO) and meet the future needs of its distribution companies (discoms).
Source: TOI
