National policy on offshore wind energy

Introduction:-

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy to boost renewable energy development in the country.

The consent given by the Cabinet that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi includes 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 (about 370 kilometres) or the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country from the base line.

As per the statement released by Government of India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorised as nodal ministry for use of offshore areas within the EEZ of the country. 

Similarly, National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has been authorised as the agency for development of offshore wind energy in the country. It will carry out allocation of offshore wind energy blocks, coordination and allied functions with related ministries and agencies. 

Preliminary assessments along the 7,600 kilometre long Indian coastline have indicated prospects of development of offshore wind power. With the introduction of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, the Centre is attempting to replicate the success of the onshore wind power development.

Benefits of OFFSHORE Wind :-

Offshore Wind  have some inherent advantages such as a large wind resource, higher wind speeds than onshore wind and more clarity over land tenure. 

Globally, offshore wind has come of age. At the end of 2014 global offshore wind installations reached 8,771 MW. By 2020, this capacity could reach 29,000 MW.

Time to replicate past success

In the early 1990s, MNRE had taken up onshore demonstration projects in various states. A total of 71 megawatt (MW) of demonstration projects in seven states had attracted interest. Since then, India has achieved significant success in the onshore wind power development, with over 23 gigawatt (GW) of wind energy capacity already installed and generating power. Worldwide, offshore wind power projects with total capacity of 7.5 GW have been installed. UK is leading with installations of 4.2 GW.

Going by the success of onshore wind energy development, the government expects a similar result in offshore wind energy development too.

How to Proceed Further ??

the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy .

The central policy holds the key to a decision-making document on developing offshore wind energy and setting up projects up to 370 km from the shore in what will be known as the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The country's 7,600-km long coastline provides a huge scope for offshore wind energy development. India's target is to develop 60 GW of wind power by 2022 from the current capacity of 24 GW.

The document also includes the environmental impact assessment (EIA) as a necessary part for developing offshore wind energy.

EIA has been mentioned in Stage-I clearance, which means that the clearance will have to be obtained from the environment ministry, before offshore wind energy blocks are notified for international competitive bidding.

The policy document states that project developers have to obtain clearances from 10 ministries to develop offshore wind projects. Among these, five ministerial clearances are in stage I (principle clearances) and another five are in stage II (not required at the initial stage). Apart from the environment ministry, other ministries involved in the offshore wind energy development are the Ministry of Defence, Home Ministry, External Affairs Ministry and Department of Space.

Global Scenario of OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY:--

Worldwide, the total capacity of offshore wind energy stands over 8.7 gigawatt. Around 91 per cent of the installations are located in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Irish Sea and the English Channel.