In a strategic move to accelerate clean energy ambitions, India and the United Kingdom have joined forces to launch the Offshore Wind Taskforce. The announcement came from New Delhi on Monday, with Minister Pralhad Joshi and UK Deputy PM David Lammy at the helm, alongside High Commissioner Lindy Cameron.
This isn’t just another forum—it’s an action-oriented platform designed under the Vision 2035 framework and the fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue. It promises coordinated leadership to fast-track India’s offshore wind ambitions.
Britain’s pioneering role in massive offshore wind deployments and supply chain fortification complements India’s expansive market and burgeoning clean energy infrastructure. ‘Trustforce’ is how Joshi describes it, a testament to bilateral trust enabling practical solutions.
The collaboration rests on three foundational areas. Ecosystem and market development tops the list, refining seabed leases and revenue certainty. Infrastructure enhancements follow, upgrading ports, boosting local production, and securing specialist ships. Finally, innovative financing mitigates risks through blended models and long-term investments.
As India advances its energy transformation, offshore wind emerges as critical for grid reliability, industrial strength, and security. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts host identified sites, with NIWE-led surveys complete. A hefty Rs 7,453 crore viability gap fund supports initial projects, addressing the sector’s demands for advanced ports, logistics, leasing, and business viability.
Linkages to green hydrogen are profound. Offshore wind can fuel coastal hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, where India secured competitive bids at historic lows—Rs 279/kg for hydrogen and Rs 49.75/kg for ammonia—leading global hydrogen efforts.
Boasting over 272 GW non-fossil capacity (141+ GW solar, 55 GW wind), India added 35+ GW solar and 4.61 GW wind this year. This taskforce, with defined timelines and milestones, positions offshore wind as a cornerstone of India’s sustainable energy vision, showcasing Indo-British synergy.