The Union Cabinet  approved National Offshore Wind Energy Policy which will provide a way to the development of this renewable source of energy, including setting up of projects and research in the area. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will be the nodal ministry for use of offshore areas within EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) of the country. National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) will be the nodal agency for development of offshore wind energy in the country

The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international. All the processes would be carried out in a transparent manner by NIWE. The policy will help the country move forward towards attaining energy security.

Points to Remember:

• Applicability: Throughout the India.
• Target: 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of wind power, 10 GW of biomass-fired power and 5 GW of small hydro power.

About National Institute of Wind Energy:

• Abbreviation: NIWE
• About:  It is an autonomous R&D institution of Government of India.
• Located: In Chennai
• Established: by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

What is Exclusive Economic Zone?

• An exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.

Some G.K Related Question:

Who is the Director general of NIWE?