India - Wind resource map complete

AWS Truewind, LLC, announced that it has completed a high-resolution wind resource map of India. The completion of this map is a significant addition to its worldwide wind resource assessment experience, and one step further toward completing wind resource maps for the industry’s most promising markets.

The 200 meter grid cell resolution map was completed using AWS Truewind’s proprietary MesoMap system, one of the most advanced wind mapping systems in use today. To date, MesoMaps have been utilized as a prospecting tool for wind farm siting in over 60 countries on behalf of public and private entities. In North America alone, wind resource maps have been produced for the entire United States and 10 provinces in Canada.

The wind resource analysis of India revealed land areas with excellent wind project potential where wind speeds exceed 9.0 m/s at 80 meter hub height in some of the higher elevations. Lower elevation areas also show promise with speeds at 100 m height ranging from 6.5 m/s - 8.0 m/s. The significant resource coupled with continued government support makes India a very attractive location for wind development.

Jim Adams, AWS Truewind’s Director of Business Development, anticipates the country will be significant in the global wind industry going forward. “With an estimated potential of 65,000 MW and a growth rate of 28% in 2007 (8000 MW installed currently), India represents one of the largest potential markets for wind energy development worldwide in the coming years.”