Suzlon Group along with its associates, under the guidance from Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology and approvals through National Institute of Wind Energy (also based in 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 km from the shore in the territorial waters of Gujarat, and is expected to collect data for a period of two years.
The offshore wind data collection platform is installed at about 16 km from the shore in the territorial waters of Gujarat under the control of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) at a water depth of about 11m (w.r.t Chart Datum), where the tidal range is 4m. The support platform is at a height of about 14m above water level. Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has provided the project with valuable insights about sea properties during various seasons, navigation routes apart from administrative permissions and facilitation.
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. Additionally, an onshore mast of 150m has also been installed for validation and correlation purposes.
J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group said, “Having pioneered the wind industry in India, it is indeed a proud moment for us to commission our first Operational Offshore Met Station. The installation of the offshore wind met station will aid in better assessment of offshore wind and will lead the way in harnessing India’s vast offshore wind energy potential.”
Featured image shows aerial view of the met station while smaller picture is a long-shot. (Photos: Suzlon Group)
