Components theft plagues Rajasthani wind farms - report

Sep 3, 2013 - Wind farm operators in Rajasthan, the northern Indian state, are facing an unusual challenge -- theft of expensive parts at wind farms, daily the Business Standard reported today.

According to top officials at Indian wind turbine maker Suzlon Energy (BOM:532667), quoted by the paper, nearly all wind turbines in the Jaisalmer district have been shut down as locals have stolen INR 1.5 billion (USD 22m/EUR 17m) worth of equipment in the past few months. The district is home to 2,359 MW of wind power capacity worth INR 140 billion.

The wind farm owners not only face additional expenses to replace the stolen parts, but also lose on potential revenues from power generation. In addition, Business Standard pointed out, at times the state even has to substitute the lost power output with electricity imports from other states.

According to the report, wind power firms have filed 300 complaints with the police but to little to no effect. The newspaper also cited a spokesperson of the Indian Wind Power Association as saying that the situation is discouraging further investment in Rajasthani wind power.

(INR 100 = USD 1.476/EUR 1.121)

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