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India and the United Kingdom have launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035 to accelerate offshore wind energy development and strengthen long-term clean energy cooperation.

The initiative was announced during the Fourth India–UK Energy Dialogue, reflecting deepening collaboration in climate action, energy security, and green industrial growth.

What is the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce?

The Taskforce is a bilateral cooperation platform that brings together:

• Policymakers
• Industry stakeholders
• Technical experts

It aims to combine the UK’s expertise in offshore wind deployment with India’s growing renewable energy market, to develop India’s nascent offshore wind sector.

Objectives

• Accelerate offshore wind deployment through structured India–UK cooperation.
• Develop a comprehensive offshore wind ecosystem (policy, infrastructure, finance).
• Enhance long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness under Vision 2035.
• Support India’s broader clean energy transition commitments.

Key Features

1. Strategic Leadership Platform

• Provides coordinated guidance for offshore wind policy design and implementation.
• Facilitates knowledge transfer from the UK (a global offshore wind leader).

2. Three Priority Pillars

(i) Ecosystem Planning & Market Design

• Seabed leasing frameworks
• Revenue certainty mechanisms
• Transparent regulatory architecture

(ii) Infrastructure & Supply Chains

• Port modernisation
• Domestic manufacturing of turbines and components
• Marine logistics and grid connectivity

(iii) Financing & Risk Mitigation

• Blended finance mechanisms
• Mobilisation of institutional capital
• De-risking tools for early-stage offshore projects

Identified Offshore Wind Zones

• Initial development planned off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• These regions offer high wind potential and proximity to industrial corridors.

Government Support Mechanisms

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ?7,453 crore announced to support early-stage offshore wind projects.
• Aims to reduce cost disparities between offshore wind and conventional energy sources.
• Encourages private sector participation.

Linkages with India’s Energy Transition

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Offshore wind can supply renewable electricity for coastal green hydrogen production.
• Energy Security: Diversifies renewable energy mix beyond solar and onshore wind.
• Climate Commitments: Contributes toward India’s renewable energy targets and Net Zero goal (2070).
• Industrial Competitiveness: Boosts domestic manufacturing and job creation in turbine production, marine engineering and grid infrastructure.