The Ministry of Power has issued new guidelines for Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), specifying that turbines capable of operating at full capacity up to 40?C, in accordance with the IEC 61400-1 standard, will be considered for grid connectivity. If WTGs begin to lose efficiency before reaching 40?C, the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will have the opportunity to modify their turbine designs to ensure full output up to at least 40?C for connectivity purposes. For WTGs that operate at full capacity up to 40?C but experience reduced efficiency at the extreme temperatures outlined by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations, grid connectivity will be assessed based on their efficiency at these extreme temperatures. If no de-rating occurs up to the specified extreme temperatures at the site, their full capacity will be considered for connectivity. In hybrid wind-solar projects, the combined capacity of wind turbines and solar inverters at the extreme temperatures specified by the CEA will determine grid connectivity. These directives were issued following a CEA meeting aimed at addressing pending grid connectivity (CON-4) and Facility to Connect (FTC) approvals for wind power projects. The meeting was convened in response to concerns raised by the Wind Power Producers Association about difficulties in securing these approvals. The primary challenge stems from stringent conditions requiring wind turbines to operate without de-rating at extreme temperatures specified by CEA?s guidelines for wind locations across India. Currently, ten projects with a combined connectivity capacity of approximately 3,000 MW are awaiting approval. These include three wind power and three wind-solar hybrid projects totalling 1,995.9 MW in the Southern Region, and four wind power projects with a combined capacity of 947 MW in the Western Region. During the meeting, CTUIL representatives explained that the IEC 61400-1 standard for wind turbines specifies a normal operating temperature range of -10?C to +40?C, with an extreme range of -20?C to +50?C. They discussed whether reduced turbine efficiency at 40?C should impact grid connectivity decisions. CTUIL officials highlighted that while IEC standards are globally recogniSed, CEA?s regulations need adjustments for Indian conditions, including local temperatures. Wind turbines must be designed to withstand specific environmental conditions at their locations. Grid-India emphasised that wind turbines must adhere to IEC standards while also being capable of operating under the severe conditions expected at their sites, even for turbines designed for specialised environments. India added 770 MW of wind energy capacity in Q2 2024, a 32% decline year-over-year from 1,139.9 MW in Q2 2023 and a 33% drop quarter-over-quarter, according to the source. In December 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) updated its 2016 policy for repowering wind power projects to facilitate the replacement of older turbines. (MERCOM)