Govt sets up nodal agency to promote offshore wind energy projects
Updated: Aug 14, 2013 06:29:15pm
New Delhi, Aug 14 (KNN) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has constituted a National Offshore Wind Energy Authority (NOWA) that will act as a nodal agency for offshore wind projects in the country.
“NOWA will carry out resource assessment and surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the country and simultaneously enter into contract with project developers for development of offshore wind energy project in the territorial water (12 nm),” said secretary MNRE, Ratan P Watal, speaking at the “National Consultation of Stakeholders regarding Development of Offshore Wind Energy in India” here today.
For all the necessary clearances NOWA will be the single window agency that will coordinate with the concerned Ministries/Departments.
Nevertheless, NOWA will only act as a facilitator for getting clearance while application for clearance will be dealt in entirety by the concerned Ministry/Department.
Watal also said that the government was committed to providing a conducive environment for harnessing offshore wind energy in the country, substantiating the same with figures.
India’s onshore wind energy deployment has crossed 19600 MW attracting USD 16.5 billion of investment in 2012 and it is estimated that by 2030 installed capacity could reach 191 GW, he said.
Further, in order to facilitate the flow of renewable energy into the national grid, the government plans to roll out a Rs 43,000-crore ‘green energy corridor’ project. The project will be implemented with the assistance of Germany which has promised to provide developmental and technical assistance of one billion euro as soft credit, he added.
Significantly, a study by Scottish Development International carried out in January 2012 has indicated potential to establish around one GW capacity wind farm each along the coastline of Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
According to Joint Secretary, MNRE Alok Srivastava, India is estimated to have 350 GW of offshore wind energy capacity. Europe (4995 MW), he said was the global leader in terms of offshore wind energy installation followed by China (390 MW) and Japan (25 MW).
Meanwhile, Member, Planning Commission B K Chaturvedi, while addressing a stakeholders’ consultation, said since cost of power generated from offshore wind energy is more than that generated from onshore, policy frame work to be formulated should address this differential in account.
He further said that the Planning Commission would ensure highest priority to the renewable energy sector in the country so that it moves forward to achieve energy security in the country.
The Ministries/Departments which will be involved in the process of granting clearances for Offshore Wind Farm Projects are Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Coast Guard etc.
The Stakeholders’ Consultation witnessed participation of various stakeholders discussing different aspects for development of offshore wind energy in the country. (KNN)
“NOWA will carry out resource assessment and surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the country and simultaneously enter into contract with project developers for development of offshore wind energy project in the territorial water (12 nm),” said secretary MNRE, Ratan P Watal, speaking at the “National Consultation of Stakeholders regarding Development of Offshore Wind Energy in India” here today.
For all the necessary clearances NOWA will be the single window agency that will coordinate with the concerned Ministries/Departments.
Nevertheless, NOWA will only act as a facilitator for getting clearance while application for clearance will be dealt in entirety by the concerned Ministry/Department.
Watal also said that the government was committed to providing a conducive environment for harnessing offshore wind energy in the country, substantiating the same with figures.
India’s onshore wind energy deployment has crossed 19600 MW attracting USD 16.5 billion of investment in 2012 and it is estimated that by 2030 installed capacity could reach 191 GW, he said.
Further, in order to facilitate the flow of renewable energy into the national grid, the government plans to roll out a Rs 43,000-crore ‘green energy corridor’ project. The project will be implemented with the assistance of Germany which has promised to provide developmental and technical assistance of one billion euro as soft credit, he added.
Significantly, a study by Scottish Development International carried out in January 2012 has indicated potential to establish around one GW capacity wind farm each along the coastline of Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
According to Joint Secretary, MNRE Alok Srivastava, India is estimated to have 350 GW of offshore wind energy capacity. Europe (4995 MW), he said was the global leader in terms of offshore wind energy installation followed by China (390 MW) and Japan (25 MW).
Meanwhile, Member, Planning Commission B K Chaturvedi, while addressing a stakeholders’ consultation, said since cost of power generated from offshore wind energy is more than that generated from onshore, policy frame work to be formulated should address this differential in account.
He further said that the Planning Commission would ensure highest priority to the renewable energy sector in the country so that it moves forward to achieve energy security in the country.
The Ministries/Departments which will be involved in the process of granting clearances for Offshore Wind Farm Projects are Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Coast Guard etc.
The Stakeholders’ Consultation witnessed participation of various stakeholders discussing different aspects for development of offshore wind energy in the country. (KNN)
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