Application of reanalysis data to estimate offshore wind potential in EEZ of India based on marine ecosystem considerations

India is striving hard to develop new and renewable energy resources on a vast scale, to meet its future energy demands. To fulfill the need of renewable energy resources, utilization of wind energy is a good option to avoid several issues of pollution and climate change caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. The present study aims to provide a summary of offshore wind energy potential available in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India, by utilizing reanalysis wind dataset (ERA-Interim) for 14 years (2001-2014) along with corresponding data of bathymetry and cumulative human impact on marine ecosystem. Geographic Information System (GIS) environment is used to develop maps of wind speed and power density at a hub height of 80 m. Annual energy production (AEP) capacity in Indian EEZ was observed to be about ten and six times of the present (Financial year 2015-16) and anticipated future (Financial year 2021-22) energy demand while considering 5 MW turbine. Outcomes of the present study seem to be useful for developers, planners and decision makers in realizing about available offshore wind power potential at the coasts of India.