Karnataka offshore wind plans stalled as low speeds dash hopes

Government shifts focus to Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, launching VGF scheme for 1,000 MW offshore wind projects amid Karnataka’s viability concernsDespite India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, hopes for offshore wind energy along the Karnataka coast have been dealt a significant blow.In a recent statement to Parliament, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, confirmed that the low wind speeds along Karnataka’s coastline render it unviable for offshore wind energy projects.

Preliminary assessments by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) indicate that the average annual wind speed off the Karnataka coast is only 5 to 5.2 metres per second. This falls short of the threshold required for economically viable offshore wind generation.

The minister clarified that, owing to these unfavourable conditions, no further studies — including geophysical surveys or LiDAR installations — are planned for Karnataka’s offshore zone.Instead, the Centre is focusing on more promising regions. Based on detailed studies conducted in collaboration with multilateral agencies, eight priority offshore wind zones each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been identified for initial development. According to NIWE, these locations offer stronger wind resources and better infrastructure potential, making them suitable for offshore projects.“Feasibility studies for offshore wind farm development off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have already been undertaken under the Facilitating Offshore Wind Energy in India (FOWIND) programme, with support from the European Union,” Naik said.To accelerate progress, the government has launched a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind projects. The scheme targets 1,000 MW of offshore wind capacity, split between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with 500 MW each serving as pilot sites. The funding mechanism is expected to bridge financial gaps and encourage private sector participation in what remains a high-investment segment.

Feasibility studies for offshore wind farm development off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have already been undertakenunder the Facilitating OffshoreWind Energy in India (FOWIND) programme ­–Minister Shripad Yesso Naik

Experts note that Karnataka remains a key player in India’s onshore wind and solar energy sectors. However, its offshore wind potential appears unlikely to materialise under current meteorological and technological conditions. The government’s shift towards Gujarat and Tamil Nadu highlights the critical role of viable wind speeds and favourable site conditions in shaping India’s renewable energy roadmap.