April 26, 2012
India

J-K sets up 6 masts for wind power study

The Indian Express, www.indianexpress.com 26 April 2012

Looking to harness wind power in the state, the J&K government has set up masts at 6 places to assess the potential for developing the sector in these areas.

The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency has installed 6 wind masts at 6 locations to carry out preliminary study for wind power potential and feasibility, JKEDA officials said.

The study will be conducted for two years, they said, adding that the masts were installed during 2011.

They have been installed at Pir Ki Gali in Poonch district, Ladadhar-Patnitop in Ramban district, Gulmargh and Parishpora areas in Baramulla district, Sonamargh and Kangan-Mamar area in Ganderbal district.

The criteria for developing a wind farm is to first assess the wind potential and then take up the wind power projects, if the site is found feasible and approved by Centre for wind Energy Technology.

However, one Bidda site in Reasi district has been found feasible, with high wind potential, and the first wind power project in the state is expected there, officials said.

Two wind masts were installed at Ijara in Baramulla district & Bidda to study the wind power potential.

It was found that at Bidda there is wind potential of about 336 watts/sq mt at 50 mts height, officials said, adding that project of around 10 MWs could be developed in first stage. Ijara site was not found feasible.

For development of the Bidda site, draft MoU has been prepared and forwarded to NHPC for its acceptance as the location at which wind farm is to be developed is leased out to NHPC by the State Government, they said.

JAKEDA has mandate to implement wind power projects, while thermal energy projects are being implemented by PDD.

In case of wind power projects, masts are installed in the first instance to measure the wind velocity for ascertaining the potential of the state.

The measurements are taken initially for two years and if the site is found feasible then the study is extended for one one more year, they said.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/26/j-k-sets-up-6-masts-for-wind-power-study/