Tamil Nadu looking to expand its footprint in green energy, the state is probably going to ascertain a $5-10 billion renewable sector investment with Danish participation, including an energy island within the Gulf of Mannar. The island may produce 4-10 Gw.
A delegation of experts from Denmark, led by Energy Minister Dan Jorgensen, met Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday. If it materialises, the project are going to be the primary offshore floating wind farm in India. The Gulf of Mannar lies between the West Coast of Sri Lanka and therefore the south-eastern tip of India.
This comes days after the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) announced its plans to return up with 20,000 Mw of solar energy projects with adequate battery storage, 3,000 Mw of pumped storage hydroelectric projects, and 2,000 Mw of gas-based power units within the next 10 years. These projects are expected to need loans of around Rs 1.32 trillion.
The Denmark delegation included Ambassador Freddy Svane and Asser Rasmussen Berling, head of the Department of Energy , representatives from 18 Danish companies, the ministry, and industry chambers In March, Svane had visited Chennai and held talks with N Muruganandam, principal secretary (industries), and other officials.
“Important discussion points included creating a centre of excellence for offshore wind energy in Chennai, envisioning an energy island – an offshore wind park within the Gulf of Mannar and an instantaneous action plan for global climate change by the govt of Tamil Nadu ,” said a government official.
Some important Danish companies in Tamil Nadu are Vestas, Cubic, Maersk, Grundfos, FLSmidth, and Danfoss.
The value of Danish investment in Tamil Nadu between January 2003 and January 2021 is estimated at $ 751.72 million. Companies that have marked their presence in other parts of India include Novo-Nordisk, A.P. Moller Maersk and Ramboll. within the last decade Denmark has invested over $1 billion within the country. Around 200 Danish companies are operating in India Indian companies that have a presence in Denmark include Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Technologies, ITC Infotech, and L&T Infotech.
In a visit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Copenhagen, a key point of dialogue was green strategic partnership and health This was the primary visit by an Indian secretary of state to Denmark in 20 years. Jaishankar had met the chief executive officers of Grundfos, Vestas, Maersk, Haldor, Topsoe, and CIP. British government recently announced it might invest around $1.2 billion in India’s renewable energy space through public and personal participation.
India has lined up an idea of around 450 Gw of renewable energy by 2030. Several industry majors like Reliance Industries and Adani Group have announced their roles in it.
