The Government today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a group of public sector undertakings and others to setup a joint venture company for an offshore wind power project in Gujarat.
The company, for which MoU was signed between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and other partners, will undertake detailed study based on the inputs received from pre-feasibility studies and necessary steps for implementation of the project.
The 100 MW wind power plant project will see participation from National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and consortium of partners consisting of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Power Trading Corporation (PTC) and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL).
Terming it as a "great opportunity in the development of renewable energy resources in the country," Union MNRE Minister Piyush Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message in the US was loud and clear that renewable energy is the way to go as it dovetails world's concerns about climate change and clearly enhances India's energy security.
It has been proposed to provide subsidy for setting up of evacuation and transmission infrastructure of the offshore wind power to the main land, besides provide financial support for carrying out studies such as wind resource assessment, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), oceanographic survey and Bathymetric studies.
The MNRE would also assist in obtaining clearances involved during the implementation of the project.
"Partnerships should be built with Defense, Coast Guard and Shipping to ensure seamless and time bound approval process," Goyal said.
