TCP_IEA_LOGO

India

Supporting Policies for Ocean Energy



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. 



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.