**6. Summary and conclusions**

Offshore wind being pollution-free would be an ideal solution to meet the increasing demand as Indian coast is blessed with significant winds. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published the offshore wind policy for offshore wind development in India [23]. Offshore wind would be commercially viable, if potential sites are identified and economical substructure concepts along with installation methodology are developed considering local conditions. Hence, studies were taken up to identify potential sites, perform commercial viability studies, and design the optimum substructure configuration along with installation methodology.

Wind assessment studies based on secondary wind data like offshore satellite winds and onshore mast data by various organizations helped in identifying potential sites along the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Commercial viability studies based on these data were carried out and indicated the need for suitable incentives by the Government of India to attract huge investments for offshore wind industry. NIWE has attempted to capture the offshore wind parameters by installing an onshore mast in a narrow strip extending into the sea. LiDAR-based offshore wind data collection platforms are successfully commissioned in Gulf of Khambhat for MNRE-NIWE and Gulf of Kutch for M/S Suzlon with technical support from NIOT for recording the continuous wind data and validation.

Considering the bathymetry and geotechnical conditions along potential sites, three substructure concepts, monopile, gravity-based foundation, and jacket, were analyzed. A preliminary design based on aerodynamic loads on turbine, hydrodynamic loads on the structures, pilesoil interaction, and floatation analysis for gravity-based structures is carried out to arrive at suitable substructure concepts for Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Installation methodologies were developed for identified substructure concepts for Indian scenario and the infrastructure needs assessed. These studies will also assist in arriving at the cost for implementation of the offshore wind farm projects.
