India, UK join hands to launch Offshore Wind Taskforce

February 18, 2026

New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom on Monday formally launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, marking a significant step in bilateral clean energy cooperation. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy unveiled the initiative in the presence of British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.

Describing the Taskforce as a “working mechanism” rather than a symbolic platform, Joshi said it has been constituted under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue to provide strategic leadership and coordination for India’s offshore wind ecosystem. He noted that while the UK has demonstrated global leadership in scaling offshore wind and developing mature supply chains, India offers scale, long-term demand and a rapidly expanding clean energy ecosystem.

Focus on Execution, Infrastructure and Financing

Calling it a “trustforce”, Joshi said the platform reflects mutual confidence in addressing real execution challenges. He stressed the need for time-bound workstreams, measurable milestones and visible progress to translate global lessons into solutions suited to Indian conditions.

The minister outlined three pillars for cooperation: ecosystem planning and market design, including improved seabed leasing frameworks and revenue-certainty mechanisms; infrastructure and supply chain development such as port modernisation, local manufacturing and specialised vessels; and financing models involving blended finance and mobilisation of long-term institutional capital.

He emphasised that offshore wind is among the most complex segments of the global energy transition, requiring specialised marine logistics, robust leasing systems and bankable commercial structures.

Gujarat, Tamil Nadu Identified for Early Projects

Promising offshore wind zones have been identified off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Grid planning, surveys and feasibility studies for initial projects have been conducted through the National Institute of Wind Energy.

To accelerate early-stage projects, the government has introduced a Viability Gap Funding scheme with a total outlay of Rs 7,453 crore (approximately 710 million pounds). Joshi underlined that offshore wind will play a strategic role in strengthening grid stability, reliability, industrial depth and long-term energy security.

Offshore Wind to Support Green Hydrogen Goals

Highlighting the synergy between offshore wind and India’s green hydrogen ambitions, Joshi said India is leading the Hydrogen Breakthrough Goal under the international Breakthrough Agenda. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, green hydrogen prices have fallen to Rs 279 per kg, while green ammonia prices have reached Rs 49.75 per kg.

He said offshore wind can provide high-quality renewable power to coastal industrial clusters and green hydrogen hubs, enhancing competitiveness and energy independence.

Joshi added that India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 272 GW, including over 141 GW of solar and 55 GW of wind power. In the current financial year alone, India has added more than 35 GW of solar and 4.61 GW of wind capacity. With shared commitment under Vision 2035, offshore wind is expected to emerge as a major pillar of India’s clean and self-reliant energy future.