‘Viable tariff mechanism key to boosting wind energy’

Addressing Wind India 2008, a two-day conference and exhibition on wind energy, a viable tariff mechanism is needed to facilitate transmission of wind energy. The infirm nature of wind power because of unpredictability is a concern for grid managers as voltage collapse is the most common cause for grid failure.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has circulated a discussion paper for promotion of cogeneration and renewable energy, which offers various options to address the cost of transmission. The industry should give its inputs on this discussion paper, he said.

Tradeable renewable energy certificates, expanding the basket of renewable energy sources so there is an alternative when one or the other is not available, introduction of storage technology for power from wind would also help to integrate with the existing system, he said.

Mr G.M. Pillai, Director General, World Institute of Sustainable Energy, Pune, the conference organiser, said that the institute has put together a draft renewable energy law after wide consultation. The draft is under the consideration of the Government. This would specifically address issues relating to the renewable energy sector and build on the Electricity Act 2003.

The proposed law envisages creation of a ‘national renewable energy council’ to strengthen the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, promote grid connection, biofuels and transportation by mandating a renewable fuel policy, hydrogen fuel cells and renewable energy certificates.

Renewable energy is no longer a ‘peripheral power’ but would soon be in the mainstream when viewed against the back drop of depleting fossil fuels, cost and environmental impact, he said.