Non-Compliant Wind Turbines at IAF Airbases Face Shutdown Threat

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in its latest order, said that all non-compliant wind turbines could soon face the threat of shutdown. This came to light after the Indian Air Force (IAF) approached the ministry, citing non-technical compliance issues in some projects located at IAF airbases. The move could be significant considering the existing and planned addition of wind capacity in border states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, especially the Khavda site at the latter which is right on the border.  

The Indian Air Force stated that due to the non-installation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the presence of wind turbines affects air security and interferes with Doppler signatures by creating spurious signals.

Wind Turbines & National Security Threat 

These turbines need to be switched off during war-like situations or as per the operational requirements of the IAF. MNRE noted that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for wind turbines are granted subject to the condition that a SCADA system is installed.

“It is to convey that MoD, while issuing NOCs for Wind/Solar Power Projects, stipulates a condition that the WTGs affect the performance of Air Defence Radars by generating Doppler signatures resembling actual aircraft, thereby creating spurious plots/tracks; they be switched off during war/contingencies/for operational activities, as and when required by IAF. Towards this, the applicant needs to ensure installation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) based remote control system at all earmarked IAF stations with facilities to switch off the WTGs,” the MNRE note read.

On Top Priority 

The ministry also said that the implementation of the SCADA-based remote control system at IAF airfields should be taken seriously and on ‘top priority’. “Otherwise non-compliance of the same may lead to revocation of earlier issued by MoD,” the ministry said.

MNRE earlier said that despite repeated reminders, these requirements were not complied with by certain parties. The ministry has now warned that in case of continued negligence, such wind turbines could face forfeiture of the issued NOCs.

“It has come to notice that, even after several reminders given during various meetings highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the required work order for implementation of the SCADA system for wind power projects are yet to be placed. Accordingly, it is requested to take immediate action for implementation of the system and submit an implementation schedule to this ministry at the earliest. Non-submission of implementation schedule and inaction towards this issue may lead to revocation of the MoD NOC issued for the same,” the ministry said.