India warns wind farms against wrong power forecasts

Government will fine erring producers.

India will fine wind farms that fail to set accurate day-ahead forecasts for power output. A directive enforcing the fines was signed earlier this week.

Each day wind farms with a capacity of 10 megawatts or more needs to predict its level of generation in 15 minute blocks for the following day and will be fined for missing estimates by more than 30%, according to the directive. Fines will be paid to state utilities through a new Renewable Regulatory Fund.

Some 70% of a wind farm’s annual power output is generated during the four-month monsoon season.

Analysts said the task of forecasting wind and solar power is complex and will impose a financial and operational burden on firms.