The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended its guidelines for onshore wind power projects, focusing on optimizing wind farm layouts. This Office Memorandum (OM) was issued on July 4, 2024.
The previous guidelines mandated minimum distances between wind turbines, sometimes hindering optimal placement. This amendment allows for a more data-driven approach to maximize wind farm efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
The amendment covers the following aspects:
Focus on Energy Output: Micrositing, the process of positioning wind turbines, will now prioritize maximizing energy production rather than adhering to strict minimum distance requirements.
Advanced Modeling: Developers can use sophisticated wind flow modeling and optimization tools to determine the ideal placement for turbines.
Reduced Distance Requirements (Conditional): The minimum distance between turbines can be reduced with mutual consent from neighboring developers or landowners.
Safety Considerations Maintained: Minimum distances from public roads, railway tracks, buildings, and power lines will still be enforced.
Noise Mitigation: A 500-meter buffer zone around clusters of dwellings (at least 15 buildings) remains in place to minimize noise impact.
Benefits for Repowering and Intercropping: Flexible placement allows for easier upgrades and integration of other renewable energy sources (like solar) on the same land.
