ICCIC Welcomes Repowering Policy Amendments, sees Boost for Wind Energy Sector

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, on behalf of its members, has welcomed the Amendments to the Repowering Policy 2024, describing them as a timely and positive step to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy sector and support India’s green energy goals.
Rajesh B Lund, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore said the revised policy brings much-needed clarity and flexibility for Wind Energy Generators, particularly ageing windmills. By defining the operational life of turbines as 20 years for units commissioned before April 1, 2016, and 25 years for those commissioned thereafter, the policy offers regulatory certainty while reflecting improvements in technology.
ICCIC appreciated the rationalisation of development charges, noting that levying charges only on the additional capacity created through repowering, along with a nominal fee on existing capacity, removes a major financial burden on developers. The removal of the earlier mandatory minimum generation increase requirement was described as a practical reform that will help speed up project execution.
The simplified certification process, including relaxed norms for lifetime extension and reliance on original equipment manufacturers, certified engineers and the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government for safety approvals, is expected to reduce procedural delays while ensuring safety and technical reliability.
The Chamber also welcomed other supportive measures such as relaxed fall-in-distance norms, continuation of annual banking, adjustment of higher slot energy to lower slots, and the option to convert projects into wind-solar hybrids with extended must-run status, which are expected to improve grid efficiency and maximise the use of existing infrastructure.
ICCIC said these amendments would restore confidence among wind energy developers, encourage repowering of ageing wind assets, and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s position as a leader in renewable energy. The Chamber expressed its readiness to continue constructive engagement with the State Government and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The policy changes, it added, reflect the State’s strong commitment to clean, reliable and future-ready energy, while supporting industries in their transition towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
Stressing the need for capacity addition, ICCIC said the installation of new windmills in Tamil Nadu must be actively encouraged. A supportive and industry-friendly policy framework, with regulatory clarity, streamlined approvals and suitable incentives, is essential to facilitate new wind energy projects and promote faster adoption of green energy by industries, contributing to sustainable industrial growth in the State.