GMDC to Explore Offshore Wind Energy Potential, Seeks Technology Partner

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources India (Delhi, India)-- State-owned enterprise, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) is scouting for a technology partner to foray into offshore wind power generation. The company with an installed wind power capacity of around 150-megawatt (MW) has invited expression of interest from the developers of wind farm having experience in wind turbine manufacturing and offshore wind farm development to set up wind power projects off the coast of Gujarat state.

According to GMDC, the scope of work for the technology partner would include assessment of wind resource and demarcation of blocks, micro-sitting of turbines and undertaking oceanographic studies to determine the construction cost. The partner would also be responsible for sourcing technology and for securing requisite mandatory approvals for the projects. Further, the developer must have experience in implementation of such type of their projects and their Operation and Maintenance (O&M) afterwards.

Development of all associated infrastructure and ensuring Grid Connectivity and evacuation of power will also be the responsibilities of the selected bidder. The last date for submission of bid is September 20, 2013.

GDMC is Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of Gujarat. Incorporated in the year 1963 to exploit the mineral resources in the state, GMDC has now diversified into a conglomerate with business interests spanning across various verticals such as lignite mining, mineral beneficiation as well as thermal, wind and solar power generation.

India currently has about 19 gigawatts (GW) of installed onshore wind power capacity, mainly spread across the coastal states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Other states such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have substantial installed wind power generation capacity, while the country's offshore potential still remains totally unexplored.

To tap India's offshore wind power potential the Government of India is currently framing up a national policy for development of offshore windfarms up to a seaward distance of 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Country's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) (New Delhi) has recently issued a "Draft Offshore Wind Energy Policy," inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the general public for the development of the national policy.

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