Action will be taken if Obstacle Lights of Wind Turbines at IAF Stations Not Working: MNRE

Now, all the OEMs/ wind farm developers/ wind farm operators has been directed to submit their report regarding the operation of said lights on their wind turbines to the Ministry at the earliest, latest by January 17, 2020.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Friday said that it will take action if the obstacle lights of wind turbines installed at Indian Air Force (IAF) Stations found either damaged or in not working condition.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence issued NoCs for the installation of wind turbines in the vicinity of Air Force Stations. However, the OEMs/ wind power project developers need to fulfill the mandatory requirement of standard obstruction markings and lightings, as per IS 5613 notification and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, on wind turbines.

The relevant clause of NoC stated that “standard obstruction markings and lightings as per IS 5613 notification and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards as stipulated in ICAO-Annex-14 shall be provided by the company. The lights shall be kept ‘ON’ at all/times. Provision shall be made for standby power supply to keep the lights ‘ON’ during power failure. Company shall ensure standard markings and serviceability of obstacle lights in all weather conditions.”

In this regard, MNRE has been informed during a meeting with IAF at Bhuj Air Force Station by the Indian Air Force authorities that the obstacle lights of several wind turbines are either damaged/ not working which creates hazard for our aircrafts.

So, it was requested to MNRE to ensure the standard markings and serviceability of obstacle lights on all wind turbines, according to the mentioned clause failing which the Ministry will be constrained to advise disconnection of such wind turbines from the grid.

Now, all the OEMs/ wind farm developers/ wind farm operators has been directed to submit their report regarding the operation of said lights on their wind turbines to the Ministry at the earliest, latest by January 17, 2020.

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