MSPL's wind energy project goes onstream

MSPL has commissioned its 20 mega watt wind energy project at Dhule in Maharashtra. With this, MSPL becomes the first Indian company in the wind energy sector to have an installed capacity of over 100 mw.

Till now the company was operating three wind farms in Karnataka and Maharashtra with an overall capacity of 85.6 mw. The capacity has now risen to 105.6 mw.

The company has entered into a 13-year power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Board for sale of power generated at the Dhule project site. MSEB has contracted to purchase power at Rs 3.50 per unit for the first year and to give a 15 paise escalation for the subsequent 12 years.

The Dhule wind energy project comprising 16 turbines of 1,250 kilo watt (kw) each has been set up at a capital investment of Rs 100 crore. The wind energy machines have been sourced from Suzlon.

Shrenik Baldota, director, MSPL, said, "We will benefit from favourable wind farm locations which are exposed to relatively high wind speeds that generate more power using the same equipment used for lower wind speeds. The company will also benefit from a favourable regulatory environment, including tax benefits.

"Pursuant to the Electricity Act 2003, companies are required to sell a certain proportion of electricity generated from non-conventional resources, such as wind power. As a result, regulation has created a potential for additional markets," he added.