Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Centre Halts Offshore Wind Projects in Odisha
The Indian government has decided not to proceed with offshore wind energy projects along the Odisha coast for now.
This decision is based on preliminary assessments that show the area has low wind speeds and difficult seabed conditions, making such projects not feasible.
The government is instead focusing on developing offshore wind projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which have better wind resources and site conditions.
The government has also launched a funding scheme to support offshore wind projects and has completed transmission planning for projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
The Centre has ruled out offshore wind energy projects off the Odisha coast due to low wind potential and challenging seabed conditions.
Preliminary assessments indicate average offshore wind speeds of 6.0-7.0 metres per second, with an estimated capacity utilisation factor of 32-35 per cent.
The Odisha coast has a steep seabed gradient, with water depths increasing from 50 metres to 1,000 metres within 20-30 km of the shoreline.
The Centre has launched a Rs 7,453-crore Viability Gap Funding scheme to support offshore wind projects and has completed transmission planning for projects off the Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.
The government is focusing on developing offshore wind energy projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which offer more favourable wind resources and site conditions.
- Who
- Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik
- What
- Ruling out offshore wind energy projects off Odisha coast
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Odisha coast
- Why
- Low wind potential and challenging seabed conditions
Government's Decision
Potential Developers
Project Viability
Government's Decision
The government cites low wind potential and challenging seabed conditions as reasons for halting projects.
Potential Developers
Potential developers might argue that with technological advancements, these challenges could be overcome.
- Average Offshore Wind Speeds
- 6.0-7.0 metres per second
- Estimated Capacity Utilisation Factor
- 32-35 per cent
- Seabed Gradient
- Water depths increase from 50 metres to 1,000 metres within 20-30 km of the shoreline
- Viability Gap Funding Scheme
- Rs 7,453 crore for 1 GW of offshore wind capacity
- Transmission Planning
- Completed for 5 GW offshore wind projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts