Power generation from renewables was until recently a matter of research. In the last few years, the technology has matured after positive results from government-supported demonstration plants. Further, investor-friendly power policies by various governments have prompted large-scale progress in private power plants based on renewables.

Infrastructure Development for Power Projects

Infrastructure Development for Renewable Energy Projects: The renewable energy projects producing electricity on a large scale need suitable grid interface for evacuation of power and penetration into the grid of utility. For reliable and stable source of power, Extra High Voltage (EHV) system is needed. Since project sites are located in remote and hilly areas, approach roads need to be constructed.

In order to provide the infrastructure consisting of approach roads and power evacuation arrangements for wind power projects in Maharashtra, investments to the tune of Rs 122 crores is made by MEDA through contributions from private sector investors. Under this programme, 220 KV EHV S/s and 220 KV transmission lines from Vankusawade project site to Malharpeth and Satara MIDC and Lonand S/s are constructed jointly by MEDA and MSEB(Now MSEDCL/MSETCL). The evacuation arrangement is also constituted of 33 KV S/s, bays and transmission lines worth Rs 40 crores. It also consists of 64 km-long roads constructed at various project sites. The cost of these roads is Rs 20 crores. This infrastructure development has taken place for wind power projectsfor wind power project under group I & II and as per GoM G.R. No NCP 1097 / CR-57/NRG-7 dated 13/03/98.

All the above infrastructure developments have taken place mostly in the districts of Satara, Sangali, Ahmednagar and Dhule where suitable sites were available for exploiting the wind power.

2) GoM has issued wind power policy for wind power projects under group III category vide GoM G.R. No. Pavan 2004/pr.kr.1274/Urja-7dated 26/2/2004 and methodology No. Pavan 2005/pr.kr.2222/Urja-7dt- 30/6/2005 wherein there is provision for infrastructure development for wind power projects of 750 MW starting from 1/4/2003.

Under this policy 220 KV- 132 KV- 110KV /33KV EHV sub-stations, & EHV- 33KV HV lines are being erected in Dhule, Ahmednagar, Sangli, Satara Districts for evacuation of power to state grid.

The schemes of electrical infrastructure prepared by wind developers, for power evacuation arrangement and recommended by MEDA to MSEDCL/MSETCL for grid connectivity are as below. MEDA now has a plan of expanding the wind power programme to other districts of Maharashtra where potential windy sites are available.