Jharkhand, which does not feature prominently on India's wind energy potential map, has taken early steps to establish wind power capacity in the state.
Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency, the state nodal agency for renewable energy development, is keen to develop wind power capacity with private sector participation.
Speaking to Projectmonitor, B.K. Rai, a senior JREDA spokesperson, said that the agency was exploiting several possibilities that include seeking consultants and turnkey contractors to set up wind farms for JREDA. Consultants will be required to assess wind power potential across several locations in the state while contractors will also enter into a 10-year complete maintenance contract with JREDA. Expressions of interest are currently being invited from potential consultants and contractors.
Rai stated that, subsequently, JREDA would also look at forming joint ventures with potential wind energy developers. Private entrepreneurs will also be allowed to set up self-owned wind power projects with subsidy benefits extended to them as per guidelines issued by the ministry of new and renewable energy.
Jharkhand currently has no installed wind power capacity. Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) has installed 50m high masts to study wind power potential in two areas - Pithoria in Ranchi district and Netarhat in Gumla district. The studies, however, did not show encouraging results, a C-WET official said. "Wind power potential is generally low in northern and eastern India," he said. Nevertheless, fresh studies are being conducted in the southern part of Gumla district that borders Chhattisgarh. Results will be known in the next two-three months, he said.
Meanwhile, JREDA is also working on a comprehensive policy for small hydropower and wind power projects, Rai said. This policy will address issues relating to private sector participation touching upon aspects like sale of power to Jharkhand State Electricity Board or private parties, subsidies, incentives etc.
JREDA currently is the implementing agency for state and Central government-sponsored schemes for renewable agency, and is predominantly engaged in remote village electrification through biogas plants. Last year, JREDA also embarked on a venture to conduct the detailed survey and design for 25 small hydropower projects aggregating 47 mw, spread over eight districts including Ranchi, East Singhbhum and Gumla.