Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 3: Keeping in view India’s green energy self-reliance goals and port-led development strategy, Dakshina Kannada (DK) Member of Parliament (MP) Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged the central government to accord high priority to offshore wind energy generation along the Mangaluru coastline.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, MP Chowta stated that the coastal stretch of Mangaluru offers immense potential for offshore wind power generation. Citing a report by the National Institute of Oceanography, he pointed out that the Mangaluru coast has been identified under India’s promising offshore wind energy ‘Zone-2’. He noted that the coastline, spanning approximately 6,490 square kilometres, is highly suitable for wind energy generation. He further highlighted that the region faces comparatively lower risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones, making it a safe and ideal location for long-term offshore wind energy projects. In this backdrop, he demanded that the Mangaluru coast be developed as a dedicated offshore wind energy zone.
Emphasising the strategic advantages of the New Mangalore Port, Chowta said the port is equipped with excellent infrastructure, multiple berths, high cargo-handling capacity and advanced facilities. He observed that the port has suitable arrangements for the transportation and assembly of large equipment such as wind turbines, which could transform it into a major logistics hub for offshore wind energy projects.
Chowta also noted that the region hosts major industrial establishments such as MRPL, OMPL, UPCL and the Mangaluru SEZ, ensuring the availability of a large local market for the green energy generated. This would make it easier to directly sell the electricity produced from offshore wind projects. He added that entering into direct power purchase agreements with these industries would help ensure the financial viability of such projects and facilitate faster implementation.
Pointing to the rising power demand in Karnataka, Chowta said the state’s peak electricity demand crossed 18,000 megawatts in early 2025, underscoring the urgent need to promote alternative energy sources such as wind power. While wind speeds along the Karnataka coast may be relatively lower, he stressed that developing offshore wind energy in the Arabian Sea is crucial for ensuring energy security in southern India. He further pointed out that the Bay of Bengal frequently faces cyclone threats, making the Arabian Sea region comparatively safer for strengthening offshore wind power capacity.
To achieve India’s target of generating 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, Chowta asserted that priority must be given to developing the Mangaluru offshore wind energy zone. In this regard, he urged the ministry of new and renewable energy to immediately initiate steps for resource assessment, pilot project implementation and industrial consultations, and raised the demand firmly in the House.