MP Brijesh Chowta Advocates Offshore Wind Energy Development Along Mangaluru Coast
In alignment with India's ambitious green energy self-reliance goals and port-centric development strategy, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has made a compelling appeal to the central government. He is urging authorities to prioritize the establishment of offshore wind energy production facilities along the scenic Mangaluru coastline.
Highlighting Vast Potential in Parliamentary Address
In a detailed release, the MP revealed that he emphasized the immense potential for wind energy generation along the Mangaluru coast during his address in the Lok Sabha. Drawing from a comprehensive report by the prestigious National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), he pointed out that the Mangaluru coast has been identified as a highly promising zone for offshore wind energy projects.
This designated area spans an impressive approximately 6,490 square kilometers. The region is deemed exceptionally suitable and secure for long-term wind energy initiatives due to its remarkably low susceptibility to natural calamities such as earthquakes and cyclones. Consequently, MP Chowta strongly advocated for developing the Mangaluru coast as a premier site for wind energy production.
Strategic Advantages of New Mangalore Port
Emphasizing the strategic benefits, Capt Chowta highlighted the New Mangalore Port's superior infrastructure. The port boasts multiple berths and advanced facilities that are fully capable of handling large-scale machinery, including massive wind turbines. This makes it an ideal logistics and operational hub for efficiently managing offshore wind energy projects.
Furthermore, the presence of major industrial players in the vicinity—such as MRPL, OMPL, UPCL, and MSEZ—creates a substantial local market for green energy. This proximity facilitates the direct sale of electricity generated from wind energy sources. Such arrangements ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the projects through direct power purchase agreements, as noted by the MP.
Addressing Karnataka's Escalating Power Demand
With Karnataka's electricity demand projected to exceed 18,000 MW by early 2025, there is an urgent and pressing need to promote alternative energy sources like wind power. Although wind speeds along Karnataka's coastline are relatively modest, developing offshore wind energy in the Arabian Sea is crucial for bolstering south India's energy security.
Additionally, the Arabian Sea region offers a safer environment for wind energy development compared to the cyclone-prone Bay of Bengal. To achieve India's ambitious target of producing 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, priority must be accorded to the Mangaluru wind energy production zone.
In his concluding remarks, MP Chowta stated, "I urged the ministry of renewable energy to take immediate steps for resource assessment, practical implementation of projects, and industrial consultations." This call to action underscores the critical importance of swift and decisive measures to harness the region's renewable energy potential.
