Offshore wind development in India: FOWIND launches new report on supply chain, ports and logistics

This study is a significant step forward in preparing a roadmap for offshore wind power in India by the GWEC led FOWIND consortium.

NEW DELHI, 29 June 2016 – The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) launched a new report today: “Supply Chain, Port Infrastructure and Logistics Study” for offshore wind development in the states of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in India. This study is a significant step forward in preparing a roadmap for offshore wind power in India by the GWEC led FOWIND consortium.

The key supply chain elements of the offshore wind sector are assessed along with a preliminary evaluation of companies entering the offshore wind sector. As part of the supply chain assessment, port infrastructure and logistics are reviewed, identifying key component specifications, vessel requirements and installation strategies. The study provides the first of its kind overview of existing port infrastructure in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and the possible improvements required for manufacturing, installation and OEM of offshore wind farms.

India has the world’s 5th largest onshore wind market with a total installed capacity of nearly 27 GW. However, the country 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 here due to the large wind resources available near centers of high-energy demand.  Globally, offshore wind power is becoming mainstream with installations exceeding 12 GW at the end of 2015.

“Developing offshore wind in India presents both unique challenges and opportunities. This report is one step forward on the long road towards building a robust, sustainable and cost-effective offshore wind industry in India”, said Steve Sawyer, GWEC Secretary General.

“We truly believe the FOWIND project – including this report – is a great learning experience for all involved. Apart from gathering a lot of valuable knowledge, it also helps to identify where barriers need to be removed and communication needs to be improved, so that the industry can concentrate on its main purpose.” said Mathias Steck, Executive Vice President & Regional Manager Asia Pacific, DNV GL – Energy.

This study forms the basis for future offshore wind feasibility assessments, and gives a better understanding for companies and government institutions as to what is required for developing a successful offshore wind industry. The FOWIND consotium aims to complete the roadmap for offshore wind development in India by 2018.

Click to download the Full Report from here.

About FOWIND
The consortium led by Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is implementing the Facilitating Offshore Wind in India (FOWIND) project. The other consortium partners include the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), DNV GL, the Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) and the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE). National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) joined the consortium as knowledge partner on 15 June 2015. FOWIND is and EU funded project with an overall objective to prepare a roadmap for offshore wind development in India.

About the Report
The report was developed as a part of the FOWIND (Facilitating Offshore Wind in India) project led by GWEC  in December 2013. DNV GL is the lead author of this study.

About the project partners:
The project partners bring a wealth of experience to the project. We are pleased to have the support and participation of the Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) and India’s National Institute for Wind Energy (NIWE).

Global Wind Energy Council is the international trade association for the wind power industry. The members of GWEC represent over 1,500 companies, organisations and institutions in more than 70 countries, including manufacturers, developers, component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies.

Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy is one of the largest think tanks in South-East Asia. CSTEP is a multi-disciplinary policy research organisation.

DNV GL now forms the world’s largest ship and offshore classification society, and a leading expert for the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. It has also taken a position as one of the top three-certification bodies in the world. Operating in more than 100 countries, its 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

Gujarat Power Corporation Limited has been playing the role of developer and catalyzer in the energy sector in the state of Gujarat. GPCL is increasing its involvement in power projects in renewable sector, as the State of Gujarat is concerned about the issues of pollution and global warming.  Gujarat has over 3GW of installed onshore wind capacity currently.

World Institute of Sustainable Energy is a not-for-profit institute committed to the cause of promoting sustainable energy and sustainable development; WISE has pioneered many important initiatives in the above areas.

The FOWIND project is supported by a EUR 4 million grant contribution through the European Union’s Indo-European Cooperation on Renewable Energy programme and grant contribution through the GPCL. The project is being executed in close cooperation with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Government of Gujarat and the National Institute for Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai to look at the challenges and opportunities presented by offshore wind in India.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.