International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Case Study on Floating Offshore Wind Energy in Maharashtra, India: Feasibility, Challenges, and Future Prospects Atharva Suhas Kulkarni1, 1atharvakulkarni642@gmail.com
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Abstract – This case study examines the feasibility,
such as wind resource potential, turbine selection, economic viability, environmental impact, and future growth prospects in India’s offshore wind sector.
implementation, and operational efficiency of a floating offshore wind farm in Maharashtra, India. The study explores key aspects, including site selection, wind resource assessment, turbine technology, energy output optimization, and challenges in grid integration. The project aims to assess the economic and environmental impact of floating offshore wind energy in India’s energy transition. Additionally, it evaluates the role of government policies, financial incentives, and technological innovations to enhance offshore wind deployment. The findings provide insights into the sustainability and feasibility of offshore wind energy in Maharashtra, contributing to India's renewable energy goals.
2. Site Selection and Wind Resource Assessment The selection of a suitable site is a crucial step in offshore wind farm development, as it directly influences the energy output, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of the project. Maharashtra’s Konkan region has been identified as a promising location for offshore wind deployment due to its strategic positioning along the Arabian Sea and favorable wind conditions [6].
2.1 Main Reasons for Selecting Maharashtra’s Konkan Region
Key Words: Floating Offshore Wind Energy, Maharashtra Wind Power, Renewable Energy, Offshore Wind Turbines, Wind Farm Feasibility, Grid Integration
Maharashtra’s coastal belt, stretching along the Konkan region, offers several advantages for offshore wind development. Firstly, the region is close to major urban energy demand centres such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Thane, making it an ideal location for clean energy generation. This proximity reduces transmission losses and enhances grid stability [7]. Secondly, Maharashtra is actively exploring offshore renewable energy as part of its long-term sustainability goals, aligning with India’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 [8].
1.INTRODUCTION Offshore wind energy has emerged as a key player in the global transition toward sustainable power generation [1]. With increasing energy demand and the urgency to reduce carbon emissions, offshore wind farms provide a reliable and scalable solution. Unlike onshore wind farms, offshore installations benefit from higher and more consistent wind speeds, leading to greater energy generation potential [2]. Within offshore wind technology, two primary approaches exist: fixed-bottom wind turbines, which are anchored to the seabed in shallow waters, and floating wind turbines, which are more suitable for deep waters where fixed foundations are not feasible [3].
Additionally, the Konkan coastline has a mix of shallow to deep waters, allowing for the installation of floating offshore wind turbines, which are essential for harnessing wind energy in areas with water depths exceeding 50 meters. Compared to fixed-bottom wind turbines, which are limited to shallow waters, floating wind technology enables Maharashtra to utilize its deeper offshore regions efficiently [5].
In India, Maharashtra’s Konkan region presents a viable location for offshore wind energy development due to its consistent wind speeds (6.5 – 8 m/s), proximity to urban energy demand centers (Mumbai, Pune), and access to maritime infrastructure [4].
2.2 Wind Speed and Direction Analysis The effectiveness of an offshore wind farm is highly dependent on wind speeds and consistency. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) indicate that Maharashtra’s Konkan region experiences average wind speeds ranging from 6.5 – 8 m/s at 100 meters hub height. These speeds fall within the optimal range for efficient energy generation, particularly
Given the deep waters along Maharashtra’s coastline, floating offshore wind technology becomes the preferred choice for energy generation in this region[5]. This case study aims to evaluate the feasibility, implementation, and challenges of developing a floating offshore wind farm in Maharashtra, addressing aspects
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