Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy – Technology and Potential for India

Published Date: 12th Nov 2024.

 

In the year 2022, the world saw an increase in wind electricity by a record 265 TWh (up 14%) and generated a total of 2100 TWh by harnessing wind energy. However, to achieve the target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 agreed upon by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average annual wind electricity generation needs to ramp up to 17%. To accomplish this figure, annual capacity additions should increase from about 124 GW in 2024 to 200 GW in 2030. China is at the forefront in terms of harnessing wind energy. As of 2024, China is on track to achieve its target of 1200 GW installed wind and solar capacity. This number is achieved 6 years ahead of its government target. Presently, India ranks fourth globally in wind-installed capacity.

 

India’s domestic wind power industry has consistently advanced in driving the wind energy sector. The industry’s growth has fostered a robust ecosystem, operational capabilities, and a manufacturing capacity of approximately 15,000 MW annually. The government encourages wind power projects nationwide by offering various fiscal and financial incentives such as such as Accelerated Depreciation benefit; concessional custom duty exemption on certain components of wind electric generators and Generation Based Incentive (GBI) Scheme which was available for the wind projects commissioned before 31 March 2017 to attract private sector investment.

 

In 2015 the Ministry of New Renewable Energy (MoNRE) introduced the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy and 2024 witnessed the amendment of the Development of Onshore Wind Power Project. These policies were created to form a framework for developing the onshore and offshore wind sector. 

 

With lucrative fiscal and financial incentives offered by the Indian government and India being the land where abundant winds can be harnessed, what is the potential of converting it to energy? Let us find out.

 

Tracking India’s Wind Energy Potential

 

Being one of the leading wind energy producers, India has a vast wind resource potential with an estimated 590 GW of onshore and 100 GW of offshore wind potential. There has been a rapid surge in India’s onshore wind power. India has managed to install onshore wind power capacity of 34,293 MW as of 2023. Alternately, India has also realized the potential of offshore wind power and is expected to surge going forward in 2027. The wind market in India saw an increase in offshore installations from 2.8GW in 2023 to 3.7 GW in 2024. The coastline of Gujarat possesses a great potential to harness the wind energy. 

 

Technology to generate electricity through Wind

 

Considering the significant impact of wind as a source of energy in India and the world, it is interesting to understand the technology behind Onshore and Offshore wind farms.

 

Onshore wind farms established on land, need to be strategically located to maximize wind capture from a specific direction. As wind travels over land, it heads towards the ocean, but its path is altered by varying landscapes and weather conditions. Land-based wind turbine construction aims to predict the most common wind patterns and speeds in an area for optimal efficiency.

 

For effective energy transfer, turbine blades must rotate at a steady speed. As they spin, energy is first directed to a generator, then to voltage cables, and finally transferred to a substation for conversion into usable electricity before distribution.

 

Offshore wind farms, harness winds that blow over the sea. These farms are more efficient than their onshore counterparts. The reason being higher wind speeds, greater consistency, and the absence of physical obstacles like land or human-made structures.

 

Onshore and Offshore wind farms not only have great potential to deploy wind to generate energy, both come with distinct advantages that focus on reliability and increasing productivity. Let us understand the advantages provided by each of the wind farms. 

 

 

Advantages of Onshore Wind Farms

 

Reduced Costs: Being cost-effective, onshore wind farms are convenient to install and maintain.

 

Reliable Technology: The technology for onshore wind is well-developed, ensuring efficient and dependable energy production.

 

Ease of Access: Onshore Wind Turbines are more accessible for maintenance and upgrades.

 

Low Impact on Environment: Low emissions are created as compared to other energy sources and simultaneously the land can be used for farming.

 

Advantages of Offshore Wind Farms

 

Stronger Winds: Offshore sites can provide higher and more stable wind speeds.

 

Minimal Visual Impact: Being situated away from populated areas, they minimize visual and noise disturbances.

 

Bigger Turbines: Installing larger offshore wind turbines is made possible due to fewer space limitations.

 

Greater Efficiency: Offshore turbines often achieve higher capacity factors, enhancing their efficiency.

 

TotalEnergies India contribution towards harnessing Wind Energy

 

In India, TotalEnergies is developing onshore wind projects, through a joint venture company Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) (19.75% TotalEnergies stake). AGEL has set up onshore farms across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and have an operational power cluster of 1,651MW. AGEL is credited with developing several landmark renewable energy power plants, the present being the world’s largest wind-solar hybrid power cluster of 2,140MW in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Aligning with India’s decarbonization goals, AGEL has targeted producing 50GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.

 

Harnessing wind energy in the future, in India looks promising and is crucial for sustainable development. With a robust domestic wind power industry and significant government support, India is well-positioned to expand its wind energy capacity. As the country continues to innovate and invest in wind energy, it is poised to not only meet its energy demands but also contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change. The integration of wind energy into India’s energy mix will play a crucial role in achieving energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and ultimately benefit the society.