MNRE Seeks Suggestions on Draft Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules

The ministry has provided a timeline until  February 25, 2019, for interested stakeholders to submit their suggestions.

The National Offshore Wind Energy Policy provides only a basic framework for the development of offshore wind energy in the country. And now the Ministry has opened its new Draft Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules for comments/suggestions/views from various stakeholders.

As per the policy, the offshore wind energy blocks are to be allocated to successful bidders through international competing bidding only and the lease fees are to be collected by the designated nodal agency i.e. National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai.

The Central Government has issued a draft set of rules to regulate the grant of leases, which belongs to the Central Government, to the developers for development of Offshore Wind Energy projects along the coastline of India up to 200 NM (Nautical Miles) within the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

As per the new rules, no person/entity shall install or commission offshore wind energy project except in pursuance of an offshore wind energy lease granted under these Rules. A lease in respect of any offshore area/zone within the territorial waters or continental shelf within EEZ of India vested in the Union shall be granted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (Government of India).

The ministry has provided a timeline until  February 25, 2019, for interested stakeholders to submit their suggestions.

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