The company is actively working on an offshore wind energy technology feasibility study. Under guidance from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Chennai and with approvals through National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) Chennai, the company has installed its first Operational Offshore LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) based wind measurement station in the Arabian Sea, south west of Jakhau port in Kutch, Gujarat.
The platform is installed in the territorial waters of Gujarat under the control of the Gujarat Maritime Board at a water depth of about 11 meters where the tidal range is 4 meters. The GMB has provided the project with valuable insights about sea properties during various seasons, navigation routes apart from administrative permissions and facilitation.
The unmanned met station will be powered by solar energy and will be remotely monitored for maintenance needs. Engineers will visit the site for general inspection periodically and cater to the servicing needs in case of a breakdown.
Additionally, an onshore mast of 150m has also been installed for validation purposes.
J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group. said, “Given India’s coastline of 7,600 kms, the country has enormous potential for offshore wind energy and it can potentially repeat the success achieved in onshore wind energy. The installation of the offshore wind met station will aid in better assessment of offshore wind and will lead the way in harnessing India’s vast offshore wind energy potential.”
Photo courtesy of Suzlon Group
