Gujarat aims to increase wind power generation

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Government has invited investment in the wind power sector with an aim to increase wind power generation in the State.

The Government has targeted 10 per cent of the total energy sold from renewable sources and proposed an increase in power purchase rate to Rs 3.50 a unit from Rs 3.37 a unit, according to a press release.

The State plans to give impetus to research and development and manpower development in wind power in energy management curriculums, said the release.

It added that the State Government looks to partner international companies in the sector during the course of the Global Investors’ Summit Vibrant Gujarat, to be held soon.

“Wind power as a source of energy is non-polluting, environment friendly, relatively reasonably priced and has a shorter gestation period as compared to conventional power,” said Mr Saurabh Patel, Minister of Energy and Petrochemicals, Gujarat.

The State has enhanced the renewable purchase obligation in the amendment to the new wind power policy.

It states that each distribution licensee shall purchase electricity generated from all renewable energy sources equivalent to a minimum of 10 per cent of its total electricity sold during the year and will develop a mechanism for issuance of renewable energy certificates, a market based tradable instrument will be developed, said the release.