India has taken major strides on the growth of renewable energy in the country by deciding to set up offshore wind energy projects along the Gujarat coast. The 100 MW technology demonstration project will be first such project in India and will aim to improve the efficiency of wind projects in the country that suffer from low plant load factor due to lower wind intensity.
The average PLF of wind power projects hover around 20% level and high intensity wind expected in offshore locations is expected to substantially increase their output.
As part of the initiative, an MoU has been signed for setting up a joint venture company by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and a consortium of partners consisting of NTPC, Powergrid, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Trading Corporation and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL).
As per a MNRE’s statement, the government will offer subsidy for setting up of evacuation and transmission infrastructure of the offshore wind power to the main land. Wind projects already get generation based incentives and an accelerated depreciation benefit.
Financial support for carrying out wind resource assessment, environment impact assessment, oceanographic survey and bathymetric studies shall also be provided, the government statement said.
It may be noted that MNRE has taken initiative towards offshore wind power development such as announcement of draft National Offshore Wind Energy Policy and preparation of draft Cabinet note on the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy. Offshore wind farms are very popular in West and have very good operational record. The project has been on the works for a long time in India but lack of suitable locations has dissuaded its accelerated growth.
Wind power capacity in India stands at close to 21,500 MW and has started growing rapidly again. The total installed capacity in the country is around 2,50000 MW.