MNRE declares ocean energy as green power

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that the power produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion will be considered renewable. These sources can be used for meeting non-solar renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). Currently, there is no installed capacity for ocean energy in India. However, the identified potential of tidal energy is about 12,455 MW, and the potential locations are the Khambhat and Kutch regions, and the large backwaters where barrage technology can be used. The total wave energy potential is estimated to be about 40,000 MW, whereas ocean thermal energy conversion has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW, subject to suitable technological evolution.