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India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce Launched for Clean Energy

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 18: Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce at a high-profile event attended by the Rt Hon Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. David Lammy, and British High Commissioner to India, Ms. Lindy Cameron. Describing the initiative as a “Trustforce,” Shri Joshi highlighted its role in accelerating strategic cooperation and delivering actionable outcomes in India’s offshore wind sector.

Trustforce for Strategic Energy Cooperation

Shri Joshi emphasised that the Taskforce is a working mechanism under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue, designed to provide strategic leadership and coordination for India’s offshore wind ecosystem. He noted that while the UK has global leadership in offshore wind development and mature supply chains, India offers scale, long-term demand, and a rapidly growing clean energy ecosystem.

Three Pillars of Cooperation

The Minister outlined three practical areas for collaboration: ecosystem planning and market design, infrastructure and supply chains, and financing with risk mitigation. This includes refined seabed leasing frameworks, credible revenue mechanisms, port modernisation, local manufacturing, specialised vessels, blended finance structures, and mobilisation of long-term institutional capital.

Offshore Wind as a Strategic Energy Pillar

Highlighting offshore wind’s strategic role, Shri Joshi pointed out promising zones off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, supported by grid planning and studies conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy. The Government has also introduced a Viability Gap Funding scheme with a total outlay of ₹7,453 crore (£710 million) to support early projects, recognising the complexity of offshore wind in terms of infrastructure, logistics, leasing, and bankable commercial structures.

Synergy with Green Hydrogen Goals

The Minister highlighted the synergy between offshore wind and India’s green hydrogen ambitions. India is leading the Hydrogen Breakthrough Goal under the international Breakthrough Agenda, with green hydrogen prices falling to ₹279 per kg (£2.65) and green ammonia reaching ₹49.75 per kg (£0.47). Offshore wind can provide high-quality renewable power to coastal industrial and green hydrogen clusters, enhancing energy security and industrial competitiveness.

Execution at Scale

Shri Joshi reiterated that India’s clean energy transition is defined by execution at scale, noting that installed non-fossil fuel capacity has surpassed 272 GW, including over 141 GW of solar and 55 GW of wind. In the ongoing financial year alone, India has added more than 35 GW of solar and 4.61 GW of wind capacity, demonstrating the nation’s growing leadership in renewable energy deployment.

Concluding his remarks, Shri Joshi stated that with clarity of purpose and shared commitment, offshore wind will emerge as a cornerstone of India’s clean, reliable, and self-reliant energy future, while strengthening India–UK cooperation under Vision 2035.

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