A study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has revealed that 500 MW of offshore wind power can be evacuated in Tamil Nadu by 2021-22 with minimal grid upgradation.
The study was conducted on behalf of the FOWIND (Facilitating Offshore Wind in India) consortium. The consortium is led by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The other consortium partners include the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), DNV GL, the Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL) and the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE). The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) joined the consortium as knowledge partner.
The project focuses on Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for identification of potential offshore wind energy zones for development through techno-commercial analysis and preliminary resource assessment.
“Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd (Getco) and Tangedco conducted power evacuation studies for integrating 500 MW of offshore wind in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, respectively, by 2021-22. These study results indicate that the onshore grid infrastructure shall be adequate to evacuate offshore wind power most of the time,” according to the report.
“In both cases, it appears that at least an initial project of 500 MW could be connected with minimum system reinforcements [subject to validation through more detailed studies],” it added.
In Tamil Nadu, 500 MW of offshore wind capacity is considered possible near Manapad, Punnakayal, and Thoothukudi, as per the report.
Tangedco suggested connectivity at 400 kV at Samugarengapuram since it seemed to be an approximately suitable location and the substation was planned to be commissioned by 2020-21, it added.
The report noted that the Samugarengapuram substation was located very close to the major onshore wind pocket of Tamil Nadu. The total possible wind power injection at this station was estimated to be around 1,200 MW. However, the report said that should larger volumes of offshore wind be planned, further strategic grid development studies would be necessary to identify possible transmission bottlenecks to wider integration of offshore wind.
