In a landmark move towards harnessing renewable energy, India has officially launched a tender for its maiden offshore wind projects, boasting an impressive total capacity exceeding 7 gigawatts (GW).
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken the lead in this ambitious endeavor, issuing the call for proposals across seven strategic locations off the coast of Tamil Nadu, situated in the southern reaches of the country. These proposed zones encompass a sprawling area of 1443 square kilometers, deemed capable of accommodating a substantial 7.2GW of offshore wind power capacity.
To oversee the bidding process, MNRE has enlisted the services of the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), a strategic move aimed at ensuring the transparency and effectiveness of this significant initiative.
According to the tender notice, bids for an initial 4.1GW of offshore wind projects are slated to be issued in January 2024, with the remaining capacity poised to be made available in the subsequent financial year.
This momentous announcement has spurred the interest of potential stakeholders, who are invited to conduct surveys of the designated locations, setting the stage for rigorous assessments of feasibility and impact.
Leasing arrangements for the seabed areas allocated to developers are structured for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of extension on a case-by-case basis. Successful bidders are obligated to commission their respective sites within this timeframe, encompassing all necessary surveys, while NIWE will play a pivotal role in overseeing progress.
Upon the successful commissioning of these offshore wind projects, the lease agreements will be extended for the operational lifespan of the developments, securing a long-term commitment to renewable energy generation.
India's foray into offshore wind marks a substantial leap forward in its quest for sustainable and clean energy sources. With the potential to significantly bolster the nation's energy infrastructure, this initiative underscores India's determination to embrace renewable energy solutions on a grand scale, paving the way for a more sustainable energy landscape.
