NATIONAL STRATEGY
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. NIOT-MoES works towards technology development of ocean energy devices. A national committee on Marine Energy Conversion Systems (ETD-54) of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been tasked to formulate standards towards development of ocean energy in India.
MARKET INCENTIVES
Various small scale developmental projects related to marine energy under Deep Ocean Mission programme have been awarded by MoES. MNRE and DST (Dept. of Science and Technology) are also funding few proposals in the area of marine renewable energy and desalination.
PUBLIC FUNDING PROGRAMMES
As part of the vertical on Energy and freshwater of the Deep Ocean Mission funded by MoES, a detailed project report (DPR) for 10 MW closed cycle OTEC and 5 MLD capacity open cycle OTEC powered desalination plant is being carried out by NIOT with the help of a private firm. An Expression of Interest was invited for a new pilot scale demonstration plant towards generation of energy and freshwater on a floating platform in more than 1000 m water depth utilizing ocean thermal gradient. With several Indian players in the fray, works towards necessary approvals and floating RFP is underway.
Works towards implementation of an OTEC powered desalination plant of 100 m3/day capacity at Kavaratti Island in UT Lakshadweep is currently under progress by NIOT. Process components including open cycle turbine were fabricated and currently being transported to the site for erection. Structure for the plant is also under construction
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under MoES has published an ‘Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas’ of the Indian EEZ, which showcases the vast potential of ocean energy resources on September 13, 2024. The Atlas identifies areas with high potential for energy generation and will serve as a reference for policymakers, industry and researchers for harnessing the rich energy resources available in the Indian EEZ.
| 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. |
