Application of reanalysis data for offshore wind power potential assessment off the west coast of India

The present study provides summary of offshore wind power potential available off the west coast of India. ERA-Interim reanalysis wind data and Geographic Information System (GIS) based methodology has been used to calculate the available wind power potential. Wind speed maps at 10 m and 80 m using ERA-Interim data were to understand the spatial distribution of winds over the study area. Bathymetric map was developed based on the available foundation technologies. The wind power generation capacity estimation performed using Gamesa 5 MW turbine, based on the bathymetry classes. For initial development, if 2.3% of the estimated potential in the region can be developed then, 100% of energy deficit for FY 2015-16 of the west coast of India could be achieved.