Potential of wind power projects under the Clean Development Mechanism in India

Pallav Purohit¹ and Axel Michaelowa²

¹Research Programme on International Climate Policy, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI), Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, D-20347 Hamburg, Germany

²Political Economy and Development, Institute of Political Science, University of Zurich, Mühlegasse 21, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland

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Carbon Balance and Management 2007, 2:8doi:10.1186/1750-0680-2-8


Published:	30 July 2007

Abstract

Background

So far, the cumulative installed capacity of wind power projects in India is far below their gross potential (≤ 15%) despite very high level of policy support, tax benefits, long term financing schemes etc., for more than 10 years etc. One of the major barriers is the high costs of investments in these systems. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol provides industrialized countries with an incentive to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries to achieve a reduction in CO₂emissions at lowest cost that also promotes sustainable development in the host country. Wind power projects could be of interest under the CDM because they directly displace greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to sustainable rural development, if developed correctly.

Results

Our estimates indicate that there is a vast theoretical potential of CO₂mitigation by the use of wind energy in India. The annual potential Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) of wind power projects in India could theoretically reach 86 million. Under more realistic assumptions about diffusion of wind power projects based on past experiences with the government-run programmes, annual CER volumes by 2012 could reach 41 to 67 million and 78 to 83 million by 2020.

Conclusion

The projections based on the past diffusion trend indicate that in India, even with highly favorable assumptions, the dissemination of wind power projects is not likely to reach its maximum estimated potential in another 15 years. CDM could help to achieve the maximum utilization potential more rapidly as compared to the current diffusion trend if supportive policies are introduced.