The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently made headlines by setting ambitious targets for the installation of offshore capacity — 5 GW by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030. With India’s expansive coastline stretching over 7,600 km, the country has the potential to generate an impressive 127 GW of offshore wind energy.
Understanding Offshore Wind Energy
There are two primary types of wind energy: onshore wind energy, generated by wind turbines installed on land, and offshore wind energy, harnessed by turbines located in bodies of water. Offshore wind energy refers specifically to wind farms set up inside water bodies that leverage sea winds to generate power.
These wind farms utilize either fixed-foundation turbines built in shallow waters or floating wind turbines in deeper waters, with their foundations anchored in the seabed. Maintaining a minimum distance of 200 nautical miles from the shore and at least 50 feet deep, offshore wind turbines produce electricity transmitted back to the shore via cables embedded in the ocean floor.
Status of Wind Energy in India
As of March 2021, India’s annual electricity generation from wind stood at 39.2 GW. The next five years are expected to see an additional 20 GW. The compound annual growth rate for wind generation has been 11.39% between 2010 and 2020, whereas the installed capacity has grown at 8.78%. Seven states — Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu — host more than 95% of India’s commercially exploitable wind resources.
Benefits of Offshore Wind Farms
Offshore wind farms offer several benefits over their onshore counterparts. The high and consistent wind speed over water bodies enables offshore wind farms to generate more electricity per installed capacity. Fewer turbines are needed offshore than onshore to produce the same energy capacity.
The capacity utilization factor (CUF) of offshore wind farms is higher, permitting longer operating hours. The wind flow goes unhindered by hills or buildings in offshore scenarios, and it is feasible to construct larger and taller windmills, resulting in a greater energy yield.
Challenges Faced
Despite their potential, offshore wind farms face significant obstacles. High installation costs arise due to the need for stronger structures, foundations, local substructure manufacturers, installation vessels, and trained labor. Additionally, the action of waves and high winds can damage turbines, leading to increased and more difficult-to-perform maintenance.
Policy Framework around Wind Energy
India has two primary policies guiding wind energy development. The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy of 2018 promotes large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, and land.
The National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, notified in October 2015, aims to develop offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone along the 7,600 km long Indian coastline.
Way Forward
A few recommendations for further promoting wind energy in India include enforcing the renewable purchase obligation; reducing taxes on wind power generation companies; adopting feed-in tariff regulations and making offshore wind power procurement mandatory; and providing a ‘deemed generation provision’ to protect offshore wind projects from curtailment concerns due to the inability of State Load Dispatch Centres (SLDCs) to absorb large quantities of power.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024