Sharad Vyas | TNN Mumbai: At a time when the city faces a power shortfall of 500 MW, the BMC has taken the initiative to tap non-conventional sources of energy and provide solutions for the future. Suzlon Energy will construct India’s first offshore wind power project near the Bandra-Worli Sealink. The electricity thus generated, 5-6 MW, will be consumed by civic offices.
To be set up at a cost of Rs 50 crore, a 120-m tall wind turbine will be constructed on BMC land next to the sealink. The BMC will provide about 10,000 sq ft for the project, but is yet to identify the exact location. The cost of the project will be borne by Suzlon.
A meeting was held between civic officials and representatives of Suzlon last week, where it was decided that a suitable plot would be selected near the sea and a consultant appointed for the project.
Company officials said they were also looking at the option of building the project a few metres into the sea. But in that case, not only would the cost increase, but a temporary base (linked to the road with a bridge) would also have to be built. “As of now, this option does not look too feasible as constructing a base and connecting it through a bridge will raise the cost,” a BMC official said.
The idea behind the project was to create awareness about non-conventional sources of energy. If successful, more such wind turbines could come up across the city, said officials.
To create awareness, a knowledge centre with three halls will be built around the turbine. The first hall will feature information on non-conventional sources of energy, the second will have pictures and display boards on wind energy, and the third will include a theatre where short films on the subject will be screened.
The project will also provide a helicopter service for those wishing to have an aerial view of the turbine. “This is a unique initiative. It will not only add to the beauty of the city, but also provide clean energy without harming the environment,” said a senior civic official.
A company spokesperson said the Bandra-Worli Sealink was chosen for the wind turbine project because the flow of wind was relatively constant through the year.
To attain its installed capacity, a wind turbine needs regular wind force. But in India, the maximum plant load factor (PLF)—the quantum of energy generated compared to the capacity of the plant—is only 20 percentage points. This means that a 6-MW plant, which is supposed to generate that much energy every hour, actually produces only 1.8 MW.
“This is because the wind flow in India varies a lot with the change of seasons, “ said a company spokesperson. To instal the turbine and other machinery, the company will take help from REpower, a German offshore expert firm that was recently acquired by Suzlon.
The company will soon apply for NOCs from the coast guard, aviation department, BMC, petroleum ministry, fisheries department and the ministry of environment. It will also look for permission to connect power to a grid, through which electricity will be supplied to the BMC.
HIGHLIGHTS
Power generation: 5-6 MW Height: 120 m Cost: Rs 50 crore Knowledge centre/gallery with three halls A 100-m high platform for anyone to have an aerial view of the turbine Helicopter service for a nominal fee
To be set up at a cost of Rs 50 crore, a 120-m tall wind turbine will be constructed on BMC land next to the sealink. The BMC will provide about 10,000 sq ft for the project, but is yet to identify the exact location. The cost of the project will be borne by Suzlon.
A meeting was held between civic officials and representatives of Suzlon last week, where it was decided that a suitable plot would be selected near the sea and a consultant appointed for the project.
Company officials said they were also looking at the option of building the project a few metres into the sea. But in that case, not only would the cost increase, but a temporary base (linked to the road with a bridge) would also have to be built. “As of now, this option does not look too feasible as constructing a base and connecting it through a bridge will raise the cost,” a BMC official said.
The idea behind the project was to create awareness about non-conventional sources of energy. If successful, more such wind turbines could come up across the city, said officials.
To create awareness, a knowledge centre with three halls will be built around the turbine. The first hall will feature information on non-conventional sources of energy, the second will have pictures and display boards on wind energy, and the third will include a theatre where short films on the subject will be screened.
The project will also provide a helicopter service for those wishing to have an aerial view of the turbine. “This is a unique initiative. It will not only add to the beauty of the city, but also provide clean energy without harming the environment,” said a senior civic official.
A company spokesperson said the Bandra-Worli Sealink was chosen for the wind turbine project because the flow of wind was relatively constant through the year.
To attain its installed capacity, a wind turbine needs regular wind force. But in India, the maximum plant load factor (PLF)—the quantum of energy generated compared to the capacity of the plant—is only 20 percentage points. This means that a 6-MW plant, which is supposed to generate that much energy every hour, actually produces only 1.8 MW.
“This is because the wind flow in India varies a lot with the change of seasons, “ said a company spokesperson. To instal the turbine and other machinery, the company will take help from REpower, a German offshore expert firm that was recently acquired by Suzlon.
The company will soon apply for NOCs from the coast guard, aviation department, BMC, petroleum ministry, fisheries department and the ministry of environment. It will also look for permission to connect power to a grid, through which electricity will be supplied to the BMC.
HIGHLIGHTS
Power generation: 5-6 MW Height: 120 m Cost: Rs 50 crore Knowledge centre/gallery with three halls A 100-m high platform for anyone to have an aerial view of the turbine Helicopter service for a nominal fee
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