New Delhi: Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi today addressed the launch of the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, describing it as a “Trustforce” that reflects deep mutual confidence between the two nations in accelerating clean energy cooperation.
The launch event was held in the presence of the Rt Hon Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Lammy and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.
A Working Mechanism Under Vision 2035
Calling the Taskforce a practical platform rather than a symbolic gesture, the Minister said it has been constituted under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue to provide strategic leadership and coordination for India’s offshore wind ecosystem.
He noted that while the United Kingdom has demonstrated global leadership in scaling offshore wind and developing mature supply chains, India brings scale, long-term demand and a rapidly expanding clean energy ecosystem to the partnership.
Mr. Joshi urged the platform to focus on time-bound workstreams, measurable milestones and visible progress, translating global best practices into solutions tailored to Indian conditions.
Three Pillars of Cooperation
The Minister outlined three core pillars for collaboration:
1. Ecosystem Planning and Market Design
- Refined seabed leasing frameworks
- Credible revenue-certainty mechanisms
2. Infrastructure and Supply Chains
- Port modernisation
- Local manufacturing ecosystems
- Specialised offshore vessels
3. Financing and Risk Mitigation
- Blended finance structures
- Mobilisation of long-term institutional capital
He observed that offshore wind is among the most complex segments of the global energy transition, requiring specialised marine logistics, robust regulatory frameworks and bankable commercial structures.
Offshore Wind as Strategic Energy Pillar
Mr. Joshi emphasised that the next phase of India’s energy transition must enhance reliability, grid stability, industrial depth and energy security. Offshore wind, he said, can serve as a strategic pillar in this journey.
Promising offshore wind zones have been identified off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Grid planning, surveys and feasibility studies have been undertaken by the National Institute of Wind Energy for initial projects.
To support early-stage deployment, the Government has introduced a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme with a total outlay of ₹7,453 crore (approximately £710 million).
Synergy with Green Hydrogen Ambitions
Highlighting the link between offshore wind and India’s green hydrogen mission, the Minister said offshore wind can supply high-quality renewable power to coastal industrial clusters and green hydrogen hubs.
India, he noted, is leading the Hydrogen Breakthrough Goal under the international Breakthrough Agenda. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, green hydrogen prices have reached a historic low of ₹279 per kg (approximately £2.65 per kg), while green ammonia prices have fallen to ₹49.75 per kg (approximately £0.47 per kg).
Offshore wind can strengthen energy security while enhancing industrial competitiveness through clean power integration.
India’s Expanding Clean Energy Base
Mr. Joshi underlined that India’s clean energy transition is defined by execution at scale.
- Installed non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 272 GW
- Solar capacity exceeds 141 GW
- Wind capacity stands at over 55 GW
In the current financial year alone, India has added over 35 GW of solar and 4.61 GW of wind capacity
With clarity of purpose and shared commitment under Vision 2035, the Minister concluded, offshore wind can emerge as a flagship of India–UK clean energy cooperation and a cornerstone of India’s reliable, self-reliant energy future.
