MNRE Clarifies Applicability of Revised Guidelines for Wind Power Projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification regarding the applicability of the recent amendments to the "Guidelines for Development of Onshore Wind Power Projects." As per the present notice, the amendments introduced on July 4, 2024, apply only to future wind power projects.

The current notice says, "In order to provide smooth transition and to ensure continuity of the ongoing project development, it is clarified that the said amendment is applicable for future wind power projects, which are to be registered by State Nodal Agencies after the date of its notification (i.e., 04.07.2024) or the date notified by the State Governments through  GO/Policy/Guidelines on the matter, whichever is later."

It may be recalled that  last month, MNRE issued notice with a focus on refining the process of Micrositing for wind turbine generators (WTGs). Micrositing, which involves the strategic placement of WTGs within a wind farm to optimise energy production, is crucial for maximising the efficiency of wind projects. The new guidelines shift the emphasis from merely maintaining minimum distances between turbines to achieving an optimised output through advanced modelling and site assessments.

As per the amended guidelines, developers are required to use wind flow modelling and optimisation tools, following assessments in accordance with the IEC 61400-1 standard for turbine safety. These assessments must consider various factors, including extreme wind conditions, turbulence, and terrain complexity, to ensure the safe and efficient placement of turbines. Further, there should be a distance of 5D (where D is the rotor diameter) between turbines perpendicular to the predominant wind direction and 7D for those in line with it. However, adjustments to these distances are allowed with mutual consent between neighbouring developers.

Additionally, the guidelines introduce a restriction against siting turbines within 500 meters of clusters of dwellings to mitigate noise, defining such clusters as 15 or more inhabited buildings. The amendments also support repowering and intercropping, allowing for more flexible land use and better utilisation of wind resources. This amendment, approved by the competent authority, aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wind power development in India.