Centre sets ball rolling for offshore wind projects, seeks bids to survey sites in Tamil Nadu
renewable energy (MNRE) has sought bids for survey of sites identified for offshore wind power projects in Tamil Nadu. A notification released by the ministry showed that the government plans to bid out projects of 4 GW capacity on 1 December, 2023. Further, in the next financial year, the government plans to bid projects with total capacity of 3 GW.
The government would bid out sites for offshore wind power projects through two models. In one model, it would provide viability gap funding. In the other model, identified offshore wind sites would be leased out under competitive bidding for carrying out studies and surveys, and subsequent project development without any central financial assistance.
The bids for study of the sites have been called for the second model wherein financial support is not available. Under this model, sites are proposed to be allocated for a period of two years to carry out the survey. The development of offshore wind energy projects shall be taken up by the selected offshore wind power developer (OPWD) after the survey period, and the power offtake will be the responsibility of the OWPD, to be used either for captive consumption under open access mechanism or sold to any entity through a bilateral power purchase agreement or sold through power exchanges.
The government may also call for bids for procurement of power for distribution companies on the basis of tariff after two years, the notification said. "Proposals from interested developers identified sites (without any exclusivity on seabed) in order to have preparedness for participating in the bids," it said. Despite having a 7,600-km coastline, India does not have any offshore energy project, prompting a major government focus on the
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