Suzlon group is actively working on offshore wind energy technology and has initiated a techno-commercial feasibility study. Suzlon along with its associates, under the guidance from National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Chennai and approvals through National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) Chennai, have installed their first Operational Offshore LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) based wind measurement station in the Arabian Sea, south west of Jakhau port in Kutch, Gujarat. The met station is expected to collect data for a period of two years.
The offshore wind data collection platform is installed at about 16 kilometres from the shore in the territorial waters of Gujarat under the control of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). The support platform is at a height of about 14 metres above water level. The unmanned met station will be powered by solar energy and will be remotely monitored for maintenance needs. Engineers will visit the site for general inspection periodically and cater to the servicing needs in case of a breakdown. Additionally, an onshore mast of 150 metres has also been installed for validation/correlation purposes.
