India is gearing up to auction 1 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity within the first 100 days of the new government’s tenure, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
This significant initiative is part of India’s broader vision to accelerate its transition towards sustainable energy sources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Under the ambit of the viability gap funding (VGF) scheme, the offshore wind capacity auction aims to leverage financial assistance announced in the union budget for the fiscal year 2025. This move underscores the government’s commitment to promoting clean and renewable energy initiatives to combat climate change and meet growing energy demands.
Simultaneously, the government is poised to roll out guidelines for the implementation of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a flagship program with a budget allocation of ₹75,021 crore. Launched on February 13, the scheme aims to solarise 10 million households across the country, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy targets. An extensive assessment of India’s offshore wind energy potential has revealed a promising capacity of approximately 70 GW off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. To harness this potential, the government has identified eight zones each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for exploring offshore wind energy prospects. Additionally, the government plans to issue tenders for seven seabed sites off the Tamil Nadu coast to further expand renewable energy infrastructure. These tenders, however, will focus on non-VGF projects, signalling a multi-pronged approach to accelerate India’s renewable energy transition.
Under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has already garnered registrations from over 10 million households, substantial subsidies are provided to incentivise solar power adoption. With subsidies ranging from 40% to 60% of the system cost, the scheme aims to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for households across the country. These initiatives underscore India’s unwavering commitment to green energy expansion, positioning the country as a global leader in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.
