India among best wind energy markets in Asia

NEW DELHI: India was the third largest wind energy turbine installer in 2006, according to a report by Worldwatch Institute.

The report said the industry’s “centre of gravity” is shifting to “booming energy markets of Asia” from its European and North American roots.

The 15,200 megawatts of new wind turbines installed worldwide last year will generate enough clean electricity annually to offset the carbon dioxide emissions of 23 average-sized US coal-fired power plants, according to a new Vital Signs Update from the Worldwatch Institute.

The 43 million tons of carbon dioxide displaced in 2006 is equivalent to the emissions of 7,200 megawatts of coal-fired power plants.

In India, “renewable energy has made a contribution of 10,400 MW to the national grid. The target for the 11th Plan period is to achieve 14,000 MW power capacity through renewable energy,” said Union minister for renewable energy, Vilas Baburao Muttemwar. The ministry plans to provide electricity to75 million rural households through renewable energy.