Reimagineering wind energy sector under the aegis of AM/NS India
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Reimagineering wind energy sector under the aegis of AM/NS India

Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness energy from the wind using mechanical power to spin a generator and create electricity. Not only is wind an abundant and inexhaustible resource, but it also provides electricity without burning any fuel or polluting the air....

Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness energy from the wind using mechanical power to spin a generator and create electricity. Not only is wind an abundant and inexhaustible resource, but it also provides electricity without burning any fuel or polluting the air. The wind sector in India has been rapidly growing in recent years, with the country being fourth largest producer of wind energy in the world. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India's wind energy capacity has reached 41.9 GW as of February 2023. National Wind Solar Hybrid Policy announced in May 2021 with a aim to promote large-scale grid-connected wind-solar hybrid projects in the country. MNRE has also recently issued a draft guideline for the development of offshore wind energy projects in India. It is expected to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector in India and contribute towards achieving the country's target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Steel as key component One key component in the construction of these turbines is heavy steel plates used for durability, strength, and versatility. Heavy steel plates are an essential component in the construction of wind turbines. They are used for a range of applications, including the tower, foundation, and rotor blades. In the tower, the plates are used to provide the structural support necessary to withstand the strong winds and turbulent conditions at higher altitudes. The foundation requires heavy steel plates to support the weight of the tower and ensure stability, while the rotor blades require plates for their internal components, such as the hub and pitch system. The use of heavy steel plates is especially important in larger wind turbines, which require stronger and more durable components to withstand the increased stresses and loads. For example, the latest generation of offshore wind turbines can have a rotor diameter of up to 220 meters and stand over 250 meters tall. These turbines require steel plates that can withstand high wind speeds, waves, and corrosion from the harsh marine environment. Another advantage of heavy steel plates is their flexibility in design. Wind turbine manufacturers can customize the plates to meet specific project requirements, such as thickness, width, and length, depending on the turbine's design and location. This flexibility also extends to the type of steel used, with manufacturers able to choose from a range of high-strength, low-alloy steels, and carbon steels. There is a growing need from the wind tower segment for steel solutions, value engineering, cost cutting and improved efficiency in operations. Value propositions from AMNS for wind segment Supply of TMCP plates against furnace normalised/normalised rolled plates for improved weldability and handling Supply of steel plates as per exact design, and tight dimensional tolerances High strength steel (S420) replacing standard S355 grades Cost saving model for use of high strength steels (welding, handling, cutting, etc.) Advantages of wider widths Reduction in the number of shells in the tower section Savings by elimination of additional operations like, cutting, handling, welding, assembly, etc. Reduction of circumferential welding -30 per cent cost saving through reduction of welding Advantages of high strength Taller towers for enhanced power generation Greater stability and integrity of structure Cost saving due to reduced weight of shells and stiffeners Overall, the wind sector in India is witnessing significant growth and development, with the government taking various initiatives to promote wind energy in the country. The latest happenings in the sector indicate that the industry is moving towards greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. With the right policies and investments, the wind sector in India has the potential to become a major contributor to the country's energy mix and play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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