An Ocean of potential: recommendations for offshore wind development in India

Offshore wind will have a prominent role in India’s energy transition. As the world’s third-largest producer and fourth-largest consumer of electricity, India’s energy demand is forecast to grow between 6-7% year-on-year over the next decade. Current government initiatives like 24*7 Power for All, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency are aiming to create secure and low-carbon energy systems. This will in turn require a large-scale and reliable renewable energy supply. As a clean, affordable, scalable and sustainable indigenous resource, offshore wind can become an important pillar for India to meet its power demand and wider strategic energy aims. Under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the Paris Agreement, India has pledged that 40% of installed capacity for power generation will comprise non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030, and its emissions intensity will decrease by up to 35% below 2005 levels by 2030. It is already nearing this target, with renewable energy currently accounting for 36% (136 GW, including large hydro) of installed power capacity, of which 10% (38 GW) is onshore wind capacity. Emissions intensity is on-track to decrease by 37-39% below 2005 levels by 2030.