In a major step towards clean energy, the Union government is expected to invite tenders for setting up offshore wind energy projects of 500 megawatts (MW) each in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat by February next year, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced on Thursday. Speaking at the seventh International Trade Fair and Conference on Renewable Energy in Chennai, Joshi stated that the government aims to achieve 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with offshore wind projects contributing significantly to that target. Of this, between 100 GW and 110 GW will come from wind energy alone. “We are taking concrete steps to develop India’s vast offshore wind potential, targeting 30 GW through initial tenders,” he added. The minister emphasised that Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra continue to lead India’s wind power revolution. “The steady humming of wind turbines, especially here in Tamil Nadu, symbolises India’s clean energy dream,” he remarked. Highlighting the importance of domestic manufacturing, Joshi urged the development of a world-class wind manufacturing ecosystem that is efficient, competitive, and land-optimal. He noted that the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on renewable energy equipment is encouraging greater production. He also suggested repowering old wind farms by replacing outdated, smaller turbines with modern, high-capacity units. Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Electricity and Transport, S S Sivasankar, who also addressed the conference, said the state’s coastline has a potential of over 35 GW of offshore wind energy, supported by strong and consistent wind speeds. “Through the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and the India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, we are preparing for India’s first offshore wind project off the Tamil Nadu coast,” he said. Sivasankar further mentioned that the recently announced Green Transition Alliance (India–Denmark, 2025) will enhance cooperation in offshore wind, energy storage, and industrial decarbonisation. He also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s long-standing leadership in renewable energy, stating that the state ranks fourth nationally in total installed renewable capacity, with over 25,500 MW generated from renewable sources. In wind energy alone, Tamil Nadu stands second nationwide, with an impressive installed capacity of 11,500 MW.