Offshore Wind Journal
A report published by the Facilitating Offshore Wind in India (FOWIND) consortium, aims to help develop a roadmap for grid integration in two key Indian states.
The report, Grid Integration Study for Offshore Wind Farm Development in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, by DNV GL, has been described as “a significant step forward in preparing a roadmap for the offshore wind sector in India.”
The study forms the basis for upcoming offshore wind feasibility assessments being conducted by FOWIND, and gives a better understanding for companies and government institutions as to what is required for developing a successful offshore wind industry in India. The FOWIND consortium aims to complete the preliminary roadmap for offshore wind development in India in 2018.
The report addresses the critical issue of how to prepare the state power systems to connect offshore wind projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, and the elements needed in the future design of offshore windfarms to ensure grid integration, along with a preliminary evaluation of existing grid infrastructure across the two states.
FOWIND is largely focused on early projects and the possibility for providing easy grid access without any significant need for upgrades for the regional or local grids. The study provides the first overview of the existing grid infrastructure in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. It was prepared in collaboration with the state utilities GETCO and TANGEDCO with a focus on integrating offshore wind.
India has the world’s fourth largest onshore wind market with a total installed capacity of over 32.6 GW. However, it has an acute need for large-scale, clean and indigenous energy generation to fuel its rapidly growing economy.
Offshore wind power could play an important role due to the significant wind resources available near centres of high-energy demand.
“Offshore wind has taken dramatic steps forward in the past two years, particularly the major established market in Europe where tender prices have dropped by more than 50% in the last 18 months,” said Global Wind Energy Council secretary general Steve Sawyer. “It is a rapidly maturing technology ready to go global and we expect India to be one of the major beneficiaries.”
