The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal Ministry of the Government of India for all matters including tariff fixation and policy formulation relating to new and renewable energy. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has been entrusted to develop technologies pertaining to ocean energy. NIOT also evaluates ocean renewable energy technologies for MNRE as and when required.
MARKET INCENTIVES
Ocean energy is now accorded the status of renewable energy and thus is eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). Stakeholders desirous of utilizing Ocean Energy are invited by MNRE for demonstration projects of proven technologies under Research, Design, Development and Demonstration (RDD&D) policy of the Ministry.
PUBLIC FUNDING PROGRAMMES
The Ministry of Earth Sciences under Government of India supports the programme on Ocean Energy and Desalination at NIOT.
Consenting processes
MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING POLICY
India does not have a complete Marine Spatial Planning Policy (MSP) process. However, coastal data has been organised in a geographical information system. Several laws and policies for coastal zone management are in place for marine planning in form of Integrated Coastal Regulatory Zone, Integrated Coastal Management Plan and Integrated Island Management Plans under Environmental Protection Act.
Before finalizing an area for development of ocean energy project, required clearances from various ministries have to be sought. No specific sites have been earmarked or preferred as of now.
AUTHORITIES INVOLVED
No specific authority is responsible in managing consenting process. NIOT under Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reviews the proposals related to Ocean Energy systems.
Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reviews the proposals for Ocean Energy systems. List of other principal authorities involved in consenting process is given as under:
Sl. No.
Ministry/Department
Stage-I Clearances
Stage-II Clearances
(or NOCs)
1.
Ministry of Environment & Forests
In-principle Clearance
EIA and CRZ clearance
2.
Ministry of Defence
In-principle Clearance
Clearance related to defence & security aspects, related to Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air force, DRDO and other such institutions under MoD.
3.
Ministry of External Affairs
In-principle Clearance
Clearance for development within the maritime zones of India.
4.
Ministry of Home Affairs
In-principle Clearance
Clearance regarding deployment of foreign nationals in offshore blocks.
5.
Ministry of Shipping
No clearance needed at this stage.
Clearance for projects near Major Ports. No Objection Certificate to operate away from shipping lanes.
CONSENTING PROCESS
At present no legal time line is fixed for consenting process.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Environment Impact Assessment is required to get the CRZ clearance wherever required. For project outside territorial waters but within EEZ, although EIA is not mandatory as per Indian laws, it would be required to have access to international financing agencies.
The Ministry of Environment & Forests and Climate Change, Govt. of India is the entity responsible for the decision on wheteher an EIA is required. EIA is submited during the conceptual/baseline design stage.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION
Not Applicable as yet
CONSULTATION
Not Applicable as yet
GUIDANCE AND ADVICE
Not Applicable as yet
TEST CENTERS
Not Applicable as yet
The OES is organised under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) but is functionally and legally autonomous. Views, findings and
publications of the OES do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or its individual member countries.
