The Indian Power Ministry has issued new guidelines stating that wind power plants with Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) operating at rated output at 40°C, without any de-rating, will comply with the normal operating range of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard. De-rating refers to operating a turbine at lower power than its maximum capacity. This clarification comes in response to issues raised by the Wind Power Producers Association (WIPPA) regarding difficulties in obtaining approvals for Connectivity Offers (CON-4) and First Time Charging (FTC).
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) held discussions in July to resolve these issues. Following these deliberations, the CEA confirmed that wind turbines must operate at rated capacity up to 40°C, without de-rating, to meet IEC 61400-1 standards. If turbines de-rate before reaching 40°C, manufacturers will have the opportunity to modify their designs to meet this requirement.
The CEA also specified that for hybrid plants, the combined capacity of wind turbines and solar inverters at extreme site temperatures will be considered to determine the permissible connectivity quantum. No separate stipulations are needed for wind and solar capacity within hybrid projects.
Currently, around 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects are ready for commissioning, including three wind power and three wind-solar hybrid projects in the Southern Region, and four wind power projects in the Western Region, awaiting CON-4 approval. Additionally, two wind power projects by JSW Renew Energy at Tuticorin-II, totalling 29.7 MW, are pending FTC approval.