Parliament Question: Offshore Wind Projects in Tamil Nadu along Tamil Nadu's Coast

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 519 ANSWERED ON 22.07.2026 OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS IN TAMIL NADU ALONG TAMIL NADU’S COAST 519. SHRI THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state: (a) Whether the Government has conducted a comprehensive cumulative environmental and socio-economic impact assessment of the proposed offshore wind projects along the Tamil Nadu coast particularly in Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram and if so, the details of findings thereof; (b) whether free, prior and informed consultations and statutory public hearings have been conducted with affected fishing communities before identifying offshore wind sites and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that offshore wind development does not adversely affect traditional fishing grounds, marine biodiversity, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, endangered species and other ecologically sensitive coastal areas in Tamil Nadu; (d) whether the Government has a rehabilitation, compensation and livelihood restoration framework for fishermen & coastal communities likely to be affected by these projects and if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government would review project siting and adopt less ecologically sensitive alternatives ensuring that Tamil Nadu's renewable energy transition does not come at the cost of its coastal communities & marine ecosystems and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK) (a) The identified offshore wind sites off Tamil Nadu coast are about 12 km from Kanyakumari district and 100-120 km from Thoothukudi district. A Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was carried out for the identified sites and the preliminary findings indicate that Inter-Tidal Benthos, Phytoplankton and Zooplankton exist in identified sites which might have marginal impact during construction phase of offshore wind projects. However, recolonization of these species shall happen within 3 months post-construction. In addition, a 75 acres site identified for Offshore Wind Test Station in Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district. The Rapid EIA study carried out for Offshore Wind Test Station indicate preliminary findings as follows: • The proposed offshore wind project site does not overlap with turtle nesting grounds, which are located along Dhanushkodi Beach. • The project is not expected to have significant impacts on coastal birds. Appropriate mitigation measures, including installation of bird diverters and painting of one turbine blade black, have been recommended to further minimize bird collisions. • Seagrass beds are located about 3.6 km from the proposed project area and are not expected to be affected.• Seahorse habitats are located about 20 km from the proposed project site and are not expected to be affected. • Coral reefs are located about 4.5 km from the proposed project area and are not expected to be affected. • Milkfish habitats are located about 25 km from the proposed project area and are not expected to be affected. (b) to (e) National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) in consultation with Danish Energy Agency (DEA) carried out Marine Spatial planning (MSP) for offshore wind farms off Tamil Nadu coast and demarcated offshore sites. The ecologically sensitive areas have been excluded during MSP. The first offshore wind energy project is yet to be awarded in the country. As per the notified Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023, activities such as fishing for the purpose of livelihood and other activities that may co-exist with the offshore wind energy farm in the interest of the common public shall be permissible, if they do not affect the normal working of the offshore wind energy farm. The offshore wind projects development requires applicable Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance from Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as per National Offshore Wind Energy Policy. The CRZ clearance process generally includes consultations and statutory public hearings. Presently, there is no separate framework for rehabilitation, compensation and livelihood restoration on account of development of offshore wind projects. In case required, rehabilitation, compensation and livelihood restoration shall be governed as per extant rules and regulations of Government of India or concerned State Government. *****