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4.71 During the year the Ministry reviewed the programme in the context of the Tenth Five Year Plan and decided to continue support for research and development, field trials for new systems and deployment of water pumping windmills, small aerogenerators and wind-solar PV hybrid systems. The programme is implemented through the state nodal agencies. Manufacturers are also eligible to market these systems directly to users; however, the subsidy is released through the state agencies. The state nodal agencies / manufacturers are required to identify the sites for installation of windmills as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry. 4.72 During 2002-03, the Ministry continued to support shallow well and deep well type windmills. The Ministry provided a subsidy up to Rs.20,000/- for a direct drive windmill, Rs.30,000/- for a geared type windmill and Rs.45,000/- for an AV 55 type direct drive windmill. A total of 854 windmills were installed till 31st December 2002, of which 61 installations were reported during the year. 4.73 Installation of small aerogenerators and wind-solar hybrid systems is a major component of the programme. Small aerogenerators / wind machines of a capacity up to 10 kW are eligible for subsidy under the programme. The state agencies were encouraged to use aerogenerators as wind- PV hybrid system where ever found feasible. Community applications of aerogenerators and hybrid systems were also supported. The subsidy on installation of aerogenerators/hybrid systems for community use was reduced from 80% of the ex-works cost to 75% of the ex-works cost. The maximum amount of subsidy remained as Rs.2 lakh per kW of installed capacity of the system. For other users like the R&D organisations, academic institutions, individuals and industrial users the grant support was maintained as 50% of the ex-works cost subject to a maximum of Rs.1.25 lakh per kW. Small aerogenerator systems with an aggregate capacity of 183 kW have been installed under the programme of which 58 kW capacity has been installed during the year so far. In addition demonstration projects on small aerogenerators and wind-solar PV hybrid system of aggregate capacity of about 45 kW are under different stages of implementation. Research & Development 4.74 The R&D activities during the year covered the development, field testing and performance evaluation of new designs and improvements in the existing designs both shallow-well and deep-well windmills. A project on development of 250 watt small wind battery charger is progressing at the Osmania University, Hyderabad. A study was sponsored through Engineers India Ltd. to assess if any reduction in the cost of water pumping windmills and small aerogenerator systems is possible, without sacrificing the technical performance of the systems. The final report of the study is expected during the year. |
