Union Cabinet approves National Offshore Wind Energy Policy

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy.

With this approval, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorized as the Nodal Ministry for use of offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has been authorized as the Nodal Agency for development of offshore wind energy in the country and to carry out allocation of offshore wind energy blocks, coordination and allied functions with related ministries and agencies. The approval paves way for offshore wind energy development including, setting up of offshore wind power projects and research and development activities, in waters, in or adjacent to the country, up to the seaward distance of 200 Nautical Miles (EEZ of the country) from the base line.

Preliminary assessments along the 7600 km long Indian coastline have indicated prospects of development of offshore wind power. With the introduction of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, the Government is attempting to replicate the success of the onshore wind power development in the offshore wind power development. The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international. All the processes would be carried out in a transparent manner by NIWE.

The development would help the country in moving forward towards attaining energy security and achievement of the NAPCC targets.

The scheme would be applicable throughout the country depending upon offshore wind potential availability.

On the approval, Mr Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, Suzlon Group, says- “The approval on the national off-shore wind energy policy marks an epoch in India’s renewable energy history. It once again demonstrates the government’s thrust and serious action towards harnessing the renewable energy potential of our nation. Also, it is a testament of the government’s intent and action to enhance the role of renewables in India’s energy security.

With a coastline of 7600 kms, India has enormous off-shore wind energy potential and cabinet approval is set in right direction to unlock this opportunity. Off-shore wind energy implementation requires fair amount of approvals from various departments.  I am confident; this announcement will simplify and create a single window system for relevant approvals from various central government departments and state maritime boards too.

One of the key advantages of off-shore wind energy is that large sized projects of 1,000 MW and above can be built with the capacity utilization factor ranging from 45%-50%. This also enables better utilization of transmission infrastructure and better dispatchability, with insignificant impact on land requirements.  We foresee off-shore wind energy revolution in our country; given India’s very long coast line.

SUZLON group has access to the most matured off-shore wind energy technology and we are currently conducting a techno-commercial feasibility study in Gujarat, India. The state is blessed with a 1,600 km coastline and we have already identified more than 1,000 MW off-shore wind energy potential the Kutch coast. We believe, this is likely to be the first private sector off-shore wind energy project of the country.”