Wind energy is one of the abundant, cheap and fast-growing renewable energy sources whose intensive extraction potential is still in immature stage in India. This study aims at the determination and evaluation of wind energy potential of three cities located at different elevations in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The historical records of wind speed, direction, temperature and pressure were collected for three South Indian cities, namely Chennai, Erode and Coimbatore over a period of 38 years (1980-2017). The mean wind power density was observed to be highest at Chennai (129 W/m²) and lowest at Erode (76 W/m²) and the corresponding mean energy content was highest for Chennai (1129 kWh/m²/year) and lowest at Erode (666 kWh/m²/year). Considering the events of high energy-carrying winds at Chennai, Erode and Coimbatore, maximum wind power density were estimated to be 185 W/m², 190 W/m² and 234 W/m², respectively. The annual average net energy yield and annual average net capacity factor were selected as the representative parameters for expressing strategic wind energy potential at geographically distinct locations having significant variation in wind speed distribution. Based on the analysis, Chennai is found to be the most suitable site for wind energy production followed by Coimbatore and Erode.

The increasing population density and industrialization are adversely affecting the environment globally. The contamination of the soil, agricultural lands, and water bodies with petroleum wastes and other hydrocarbon pollutants has become a serious environmental concern as perceived by the impacts on the aquatic and marine ecosystem. Various investigations have provided novel insights into the significant roles of microbial activities in the cleanup of hydrocarbon contaminants. However, the burden of these pollutants is expected to increase many folds in the next decade. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate and develop low-cost technologies rapidly, focusing on eco-sustainable development. An understanding of the details of biodegradation mechanisms paves the way for enhancing the efficiency of bioremediation technology. The current article reviews the applicability of various bioremediation processes, biodegradation pathways, and treatments, and the role of microbial activities in achieving efficient eco-sustainable bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants. It is envisaged that an integrated bioremediation approach, including biostimulation and bioaugmentation is preferably advocated for the cost-effective removal of toxic petroleum hydrocarbons and their derivatives.