Wind energy industry seeks incentives

Wind energy equipment manufacturers hope the government would put policies for incentives to enable the wind energy generation industry to reach its potential.

Absence of proper incentives -- including the proposed generation-based incentive (GBI) and accelerated depreciation benefits, which were earlier enjoyed by the industry -- had hit the industry hard, said Ramesh Kymal, chairman, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA).

Speaking to the media here on the upcoming Indian Wind Energy Outlook 2012, Kymal said, “We hope that both will fall in place soon and will help the industry to grow higher.”

The GBI, which expired on March 31, 2012, would be reintroduced soon. According to earlier reports, the recommendation of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy was to offer a GBI of 82 paise per unit, instead of the earlier 50 paise up to a certain capacity.

 

The GBI could be the growth driver, said Kymal. On the accelerated depreciation, he said the government could offer for projects up to 5 Mw in case they are not able to access the GBI.

GM Pillai, founder director general, World Institute of Sustainable Energy, said the government should think about providing funds to the renewable energy industry for the growth of the sector.

Indian Wind Energy Outlook 2012 to be held in November end, is expected to discuss issues and developments related to the wind energy generation industry.

The event would see participation from component makers, investors and Government of India, said Subramanian, former secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.