Offshore wind energy: TN will consider impact on environment, livelihood of fishermen

CHENNAI: Though offshore wind energy is the core in Tamil Nadu's renewable energy mission, environmental concerns such as the effects on coral reefs and welfare of fishermen would be considered, state industries minister TRB Rajaa said on Thursday.

Tamil Nadu has the potential to deploy 10 GW of offshore wind energy, the minister said while speaking at the Envision Energy Festival in IIT-Madras Research Park.

“The state government is very keen on offshore wind energy, and we are bullish about its prospects,” he said. Central government has already opened tenders for offshore wind energy projects. “Offshore wind projects might affect the livelihoods of the fishing community which we have to take into account as well,” the minister added.

The focus on inclusive green growth is part of the state government’s agenda and there is a Rs 1,000crore venture capital fund for green projects as well, he said.

Apart from offshore wind energy projects, green hydrogen is also a focus area for government but “green hydrogen is not green without pumped storage. So, we need to be clear about where we pump the water to,” he said. Several locations on the Eastern Ghats are being considered.

As for producing hydrogen at sea from floating platform electrolyzers, he said, “I don’t like the idea of cables running over coral reefs which is also something we need to keep in mind.”