India surveys 39 sites for wind power

NEW DELHI, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- India says it has conducted wind surveys at 39 sites suitable for wind-power development on the east coast.

"Wind surveys have been conducted in coastal areas, including east coast, under the wind resource assessment program of the New and Renewable Ministry. Thirty-nine sites, which could be considered suitable for wind power development, have been identified on the east coast," said Vilas Muttemwar, the minister for new and renewable energy.

He said 216 potential sites in 13 states have been identified as potential sites; 32 of those sites are in Andhra Pradesh state.

"A wind power potential of about 8,200 megawatt has been estimated in Andhra Pradesh," he told Parliament Friday.

He said the government promotes the setting up of commercial wind power projects in the country by providing fiscal incentives such as concessions on import duties on certain components of wind electricity generators, excise duty exemption, and 10-year tax holidays on income generated though wind power projects.

"Technical support including detailed wind resource assessment to identify further potential sites is provided by the federal government for wind energy technology. This apart, preferential tariff is being provided for wind power in most of the states," he said.