AP’s wind power potential assessed at 88k mw

In Andhra Pradesh, the wind power potential is assessed to be at least 88,000 mw from wastelands. Furthermore, there is a potential of around 12,000 mw if 5 per cent of the stateÂ’s agricultural lands suitable for wind power were used.

According to a study by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), wind power is cost-effective as compared with other sources of generation. The main challenge for large-scale wind power addition is managing its variability and unpredictability. AP will have to develop fast ramping sources of generation such as hydro, pumped hydro, open cycle gas turbines, which could be used to manage the variability, the study stated.

Similarly, Karnataka has an estimated potential of 50,000 mw from wastelands for a turbine height of 80 metres and an additional 20,000 mw if 5 per cent of the agricultural lands suitable for wind power were used. CSTEP recently released a report ‘Wind Power in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Potential Assessment, Costs and Grid Implications’ during a workshop on Roadmap for Accelerated Wind Power Development in India.

The major finding of the report is that the potential available in Karnataka and AP for wind power at higher heights is not a constraint for large-scale generation.

The modern wind turbines installable at heights up to 100 metres can efficiently extract higher potential available in comparison to earlier models, which were built at less than 50 metres height.