Updated on: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Instigating specialised courses in wind energy in engineering colleges, the centre, industries and educational institutions have come together to augment the renewable energy sector in Tamil Nadu.
Presenlty, Tamil Nadu topping in wind energy generation in the country and capacity addition expected, the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) and the Indian Wind Turbines Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) has felt the need for expert manpower.
The IWTMA has submitted a draft syllabus to Amrita engineering college and PSG engineering college to start courses in the wind energy sector. It will be a six-month PG diploma course in wind resource analysis, wind projects development and operation and maintenance.
"MNRE will fund the project, the educational institutions will take the courses forward, the IWTMA will be providing employment for the students," said T F Jayasuriya, communication manager, IWTMA.
He told, "We need more experts in the wind sector as capacity addition will be taking place in the coming years."
John Olaf Remma, chief operation officer of Windsim, a company that provides software for ascertaining potential wind sites, said his company was keen on collaborating with institutions. "The software acts as a simulator with the terrain and windmills. Some windmill companies are using this and are reaping benefits," he said.
The wind power capacity of the state as on June 31, 2010 is 5,055 MW. Many companies are keen to set up windmills in Tamil Nadu. "This will provide good employment opportunities to the students who pursue the course," an offical from IWTMA told.