Application of OSCAT Satellite Data for Offshore Wind Power Potential Assessment of India

In the present study the summary of offshore wind resources of the India has been provided by analyzing the OSCAT satellite data measured over the period of 2 years (2012-2013). In order to determine the feasibility of wind power development in the region of interest and to calculate the offshore wind potential available therein, the Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used to generate wind maps at turbine hub height of 80 m. The calculation shows that maximum range of annual mean wind speed and wind power density (WPD) are 9.7-13.4 m/s and 1048.7-1632.5W/m2 respectively, followed by estimation of generated power using a wind turbine of 2.1 MW rated capacity. The total area of interest was further divided into zones having different wind classes and foundation technology. Nearly 74% of the area within the region of interest was found to be of class 1. The average annual output power including and excluding conflict areas were found to be approximately 2897.7 GW and 1738.6 GW respectively. Considering area available to matured foundation technology for offshore wind development, India is capable of generating at least 1.6 times of the electricity requirement for FY 2015-16.