India's First Offshore Wind Projects

 

Latest Context:

Recently, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited bids to build India's first offshore wind projects in Tamil Nadu.

MNRE's Partner for Offshore Wind Projects 

• MNRE has chosen the National Institute of Wind Energy (It is an autonomous research and development institution in India that specializes in wind energy technology and applications. It was established by Government of India and is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu) as the lead agency for handling the bidding process.

Three Bidding Models:

• MNRE introduced three different ways to bid for these projects.
• Model A involves government funding to make the projects feasible.
• Model B identifies sites for lease without any central financial help. The first set of projects will follow this model.
• Model C awards wind sites through a bidding process, either based on lease/allocation fees or revenue-sharing.

India's Massive Offshore Wind Potential

• India's vast 7,600-kilometer coastline has the potential to generate about 140 Gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind.
• MNRE has set a goal to install 30 Gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.

What Is Offshore Wind Energy?

• Offshore wind energy involves producing electricity from wind blowing over the sea.
• It offers various benefits, such as increased efficiency, more available land for projects, and reduced physical interference

Challenges in Harnessing Offshore Wind Energy

• Economic challenges: These include high capital and operational costs and the absence of a dedicated supply chain.
• Social and environmental challenges: These include potential impacts on marine animals and shipping.
• Regulatory challenges: These involve the lack of a concrete framework for offshore energy and regulatory obstacles in Marine National Park and Sanctuary Zones.

Initiatives to Promote Offshore Wind Energy:

• National Offshore Wind Energy Policy of 2015:

• The National Offshore Wind Energy Policy of 2015 is a policy framework established by the Indian government to promote the development of offshore wind energy projects along the country's coastline.
• It outlines guidelines, incentives, and regulatory measures to encourage investment in offshore wind energy, aiming to harness the renewable energy potential of India's coastal areas and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• This policy framework provides a roadmap for the sustainable growth of offshore wind energy in India.

• FOWIND Project:  

• MNRE collaborates with the European Union on the Global Collaborations on Facilitating Offshore Wind Energy in India (FOWIND) project, which aims to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy in India through international cooperation.
• This collaboration involves sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to promote the growth of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, in India.

 

Question: What is the primary goal of India's National Offshore Wind Energy Policy of 2015?

A) To establish guidelines for onshore wind energy projects

B) To encourage investment in offshore wind energy projects along the Indian coastline

C) To promote the use of fossil fuels in energy generation

D) To address social and environmental challenges in marine zones

 

Correct Answer: B) To encourage investment in offshore wind energy projects along the Indian coastline