India is setting a powerful course toward clean energy with the launch of a 4000 MW offshore wind tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). This landmark project, located off the coast of Tamil Nadu, marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward a net-zero carbon future and positions the country as a serious player in the global offshore wind energy market.
A Bold Step Toward Net Zero and Panchamrit Goals
This tender is not just about energy—it’s about delivering on India’s climate promises. Aligned with the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26, the project supports India’s goal to:
- Source 50% of total electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030
- Achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070
Offshore wind is critical to achieving these targets, and this tender—under the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015)—lays the groundwork for tapping into India’s vast ocean-based wind resources.
Project Snapshot: 4000 MW Across the Gulf of Mannar
SECI’s Request for Selection (RfS No. SECI/C&P/IPP/12/0018/23-24) invites bids for seabed lease rights to develop wind farms in four designated blocks (Blocks 2, 3, 4, and 7) in the Gulf of Mannar, off Tamil Nadu’s coast.
- Each block covers approx. 203–209 sq. km
- Estimated capacity per block: Up to 1258 MW
- Turbine density: 4.5 MW to 6.0 MW per sq. km
This is a huge opportunity for global developers, Indian EPCs, and clean energy investors to establish a stronghold in India’s emerging offshore wind sector.
What’s on the Table for Developers?
Successful bidders—termed Offshore Wind Power Developers (OWPDs)—will gain exclusive rights for 35 years to:
- Conduct marine surveys and prepare detailed project reports
- Design, build, and operate the offshore wind farms
- Ensure grid connectivity up to the offshore pooling substation
- Sell power through multiple avenues: captive use, power exchanges, bilateral deals, or merchant sale
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will sign a Seabed Lease Deed and Concession Agreement with each winner, providing legal and regulatory clarity.
Streamlined Development Backed by Clearances
To ease execution, the government has already secured Stage I clearances from key ministries like:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Ministry of Home Affairs
Further approvals such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and CRZ clearances will be obtained after lease allocation.
Plus, the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) will handle the transmission infrastructure up to the onshore grid—reducing logistical and financial risk for developers.
Why This Tender Is a Game-Changer for India’s Renewable Sector
This 4000 MW offshore wind tender is one of the largest and most strategic clean energy projects in South Asia, offering:
- Unmatched wind resource potential off Tamil Nadu’s coast
- World-class port infrastructure in Tuticorin
- Transmission charge waivers and accelerated depreciation benefits
- Eligibility for carbon credits and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
- Open participation for Indian and international bidders, including 100% FDI via the automatic route
Developers can bid for multiple blocks, but will be awarded only one, based on the highest seabed lease fee offered.
Tender Details at a Glance
| Key Item | Details |
| RfS Number | SECI/C&P/IPP/12/0018/23-24 |
| Project Capacity | 4000 MW across 4 blocks |
| Lease Period | 35 Years |
| EMD | ₹1 Crore per block |
| RfS Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Bid Processing Fee | ₹15 Lakh + GST |
| Bidding Format | Two-envelope (Technical & Financial) |
| Bid Portal | Bharat Electronictender Portal |
| Consortiums | Allowed |
| FDI | 100% under automatic route |
Key Dates to Track
- RfS Release Date: 2 February 2024
- Bid Submission Deadline: As per latest updates on SECI & ISN-ETS
- Pre-Bid Meeting: Date available in Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on the portal
Interested bidders must register on the ISN-ETS e-bidding platform and strictly follow SECI’s formats and procedures.
Join India’s Offshore Wind Revolution
This tender is more than a business opportunity—it’s a stake in the future of sustainable energy. As India moves forward with bold climate goals, early movers in the offshore wind space will have the first-mover advantage, access to streamlined infrastructure, and the potential to shape industry standards for years to come.
Whether you’re an energy developer, OEM, investor, or policy stakeholder, now is the time to be part of India’s offshore wind journey.Be a pioneer in India’s green energy revolution. Let’s harness the power of the sea to power the future.
