The government is seeking proposals for the development of offshore wind energy with a cumulative capacity of four GW. The invitation includes bids for four separate blocks, each with a one GW capacity, on an open-access basis. These blocks are designated for the creation of offshore wind power projects along the coast of Tamil Nadu, utilizing an international competitive bidding process.
Successful bidders for each block will be responsible for establishing a one GW offshore wind energy capacity and will directly sell electricity to consumers under the open-access framework. Notably, no viability gap funding (VGF) will be provided for the open-access bids, and the generated renewable energy is intended to be sold to entities, particularly industries, currently subject to high tariff rates.
The solicitation for offshore wind energy bids is being facilitated through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This initiative is made possible as all requisite environmental clearances have been secured.
Offshore wind energy presents advantages such as the elimination of land availability constraints, a higher capacity utilization factor (CUF) approaching nearly 50 percent, and increased efficiency compared to onshore wind turbines. Each offshore wind turbine has a capacity of 15 MW. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in India's renewable energy journey, ushering the nation into a new era of sustainable energy development.
News by Rahul Yelligetti