Wind Energy has huge potential: Kalam

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) President A P J Kalam today said that with an installed capacity of 6,053 MWs and a project cost of Rs 5 crores per mega watt, the potential that the wind energy sector opens up for the country's electricity needs is huge.

To tap the potential of wind energy optimally there is a need to review the policies towards renewable energy mainly wind power, solar energy and bio-fuels.

''A comprehensive renewable energy policy with mandatory and time bound provisions is an urgent need of the hour,'' the President said here while inaugurating the Annual Conference of the World Wind Energy Assocaition.

With the enactement of Electricity Act 2003 and declaration of National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy, the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions have been directed, regarding this.

He said that 12 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have already been issued Renewable Purchase Obligation orders or have already finalised the regulations for doing so, stipulating a basic minimum quantum of energy purchase from renewable energy sources as compulsory.

''This is a must if we have to go ahead,'' the President said.

Fossil fuels that have been contributing almost the whole energy recquired for the world's sustenance and progress are unfortunately finite and with the rate at which they are being tapped, the world may not see another 100 years to continue their exploitation, he said.

Wind can rightfully take the credit of being the fastest growing energy source in the world with an annual growth rate of more than 26 per cent since 1990.

It is expected that the global installed capacity would increase to 1,000 MWs by 2020 accounting for 12 per cent of the electricity supplied worldwide.

By 2020 India will be needing 4,00,000 MW of electrcity power against the present 1,30,000 MWs. For realising indepenednce in the energy mix by 2030, ''we have to aim for at least 25 per cent of the total need which should be derived from renewable energy sources".

The President said based on his own study, 16 per cent of the total energy recquirement can be contributed from wind energy by 2030.

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