Protecting the Environment, One Wind Project at a Time
July 18, 2023
Since 2015, Sembcorp has developed 13 wind power projects totalling over 654 wind turbines across seven states in India, collectively covering a geographical footprint of 732 hectares.
Under India’s regulation, it is not mandatory to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for these projects unless it is located in an eco-sensitive zone.
Despite the legal exemption, we have conducted project EIAs for all our wind power projects in India. The EIAs adhere to the performance standards set out by the International Finance Corporation as well as the Asian Development Bank. The primary objective of the EIAs is to assess the baseline environmental conditions along the project corridor, through primary and secondary data sources and field studies, to evaluate the impacts on relevant environmental and social attributes arising from the construction and operation of our proposed project, and to recommend adequate mitigation measures to minimise / reduce adverse impacts. The specific environmental and social issues considered include topography, climate, loss of productive soil, water resources, air, noise, soil quality, biological characteristics, adverse social, gender and socio-economic impacts, and other sensitive cultural and environmental attributes. The EIAs will guide the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for timely implementation of environmental and social mitigation measures. The ESMP establishes the basis of the project’s community investment and development programme.
Examples of how our wind power projects in India have mitigated environmental impact include the maintenance of shadow flicker as well as noise level below set limits. Wind turbines are also sited to avoid proximity to regions of high biodiversity value including internationally protected areas, key biodiversity areas and Ramsar Wetland sites. Additional biodiversity monitoring is carried out at selected sites during the operation phase, and the monitoring report is shared with concerned stakeholders.