Wind repowering presents a strategic opportunity to enhance energy generation in India’s wind sector, which has faced stagnation in recent years.
With advancements in turbine technology, replacing older wind farms with modern, high-capacity turbines can significantly boost output without requiring additional land. Recognising this potential, the Madhya Pradesh Renewable Energy Policy 2025 outlines measures to facilitate repowering initiatives and unlock the state’s wind repowering potential of 1,562 MW.
Many of India’s early wind farms consist of turbines with capacities below 0.5 MW, installed at lower hub heights, leading to suboptimal energy generation. It is the need of the hour to upgrade these installations with turbines of higher capacities. However, repowering efforts have been slow due to economic and regulatory barriers.
To address these challenges, Madhya Pradesh’s policy aims to provide long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to ensure developers can continue selling power at pre-agreed rates during the transition period. The policy also offers land-use facilitation, assisting developers in securing additional land if required for higher-capacity turbines, and supports the upgrade of power evacuation infrastructure to accommodate increased generation capacity.
Additionally, clear guidelines on technology upgradation will be introduced to standardise repowering processes.
A major hurdle in repowering is the high cost of dismantling and replacing old turbines, as many existing projects have already been fully depreciated. Without financial incentives, developers have little motivation to invest in repowering.
Policy interventions such as tax benefits, concessional financing, or viability gap funding could be instrumental in overcoming this barrier.
Furthermore, mutual agreement between project developers and power procurers is essential for repowering or technology upgradation to proceed smoothly, ensuring alignment with existing agreements.
The policy also allows Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Ltd. (MPPMCL) and distribution licensees to continue procuring power equivalent to the average generation over the last three years before the repowering request, with the possibility of extending the PPA period to compensate for the loss of generation during the transition.
To support the implementation of repowering, the state government may facilitate additional land arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
Existing land use permissions under the Land Use Permission Agreement (LUPA) may be extended for the revised useful life of the project, with developers required to pay 100 per cent of the District Level Committee (DLC) rates for the remaining period.
Additionally, Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd. (MPPTCL) may provide evacuation facilities for new pooling stations or upgrade existing substations to accommodate additional capacity, with any incurred expenditure charged at MPPTCL’s rates.
Developers will also be required to replace major project components in accordance with state and central government norms, with the New and Renewable Energy Department (NRED) expected to release detailed guidelines and procedures for repowering in the state.
The success of wind repowering efforts will depend on aligning policy frameworks with industry needs and ensuring streamlined regulatory approvals.
Madhya Pradesh’s approach of integrating state and national incentives could serve as a model for other states looking to revitalise their wind energy sector.
Strengthening grid infrastructure and providing financial support will be critical to scaling up repowering efforts. If effectively executed, wind repowering has the potential to play a transformative role in India’s clean energy transition by maximising generation from existing wind-rich sites while optimising land and resources.