GANDHINAGAR: In what is being projected as one of the country's biggest renewable energy push, the Union government has granted in-principle approval for offshore wind power generation on the Gujarat coastline.
With an expected investment of about Rs 16,000 crore in setting up offshore windmills and an additional investment of between Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 24,000 crore in setting up onshore transmission infrastructure, the ambitious project envisages wind power generation to the tune of 20,000 MW or 2 gigawatt (GW).
The state government will purchase all the power generated under the proposed project.
The Union ministry of renewable energy will invite bids to set up offshore wind power generation infrastructure off the Gujarat coast. The state government will partner with the Centre to set up necessary infrastructure along the coastline, including transmission networks.
"The state government will sign power purchase agreements with generators and purchase all the electricity they produce. This project will go a long way in meeting the state's energy requirements," a top government functionary said.
Sources in the state government said the Union government would also provide viability gap funds to entities who require funds to set up the infrastructure under schemes that have already been announced for the promotion of renewable energy generation.
A report prepared by the state government for offshore wind power generation states the state's 1,600 km long coastline offers the potential of between 32GW and 35GW of offshore wind power generation. According to the report, the present wind power generation in the state stands at 9,860.6MW.
The state government has identified five zones along the coastline conducive to offshore wind power generation. These zones have a combined area of 8,159 sq km, and 37.2GW power could be produced in these five zones along the coast.
These zones are located along the Saurashtra, South Gujarat, and the Gulf of Khambhat coastlines.
Sources said that a large portion of the state's electricity requirements would be met once commissioned. The state government will sign purchase agreements with the power generators. According to government sources, this will ensure the state gets the required power and contribute substantially to green power generation.
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