Tamil Nadu-Denmark plan energy island in Gulf of Mannar

State of Tamil Nadu and Denmark have planned to create an energy island in Gulf of Mannar that lies between the west coast of Sri Lanka and south-eastern tip of India.

Key points

• This plan was made as Tamil Nadu is looking to expand its footprint in the green energy sector.
• To achieve this target, Denmark is likely to invest $5-10 billion in the renewable energy sector in the state. It also includes investment for an energy island in the Gulf of Mannar.
• With this investment, island would be able to produce 4-10 GW of energy.

Background

A delegation of experts from Denmark met Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin on September 8, 2021 to discuss the plan. If the plan materialises, it will be India’s first offshore floating wind park.

Tangedco Solar power projects

Tamil Nadu and Denmark made their plan for the investments, days after the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) announced to launch 20,000 Mw of solar power projects with adequate battery storage, 2,000 Mw of gas-based power units and 3,000 Mw of pumped storage hydroelectric projects. These projects will require loans of about Rs 1.32 trillion.

Denmark’s investment in Tamil Nadu

Value of Danish investment in Tamil Nadu in the period of January 2003 to January 2021 is estimated at $ 751.72 million. Some of the Danish companies operating in Tamil Nadu include Maersk, Vestas, Cubic, Danfoss, Grundfos, and FLSmidth.

India-Danish cooperation

Around 200 Danish companies are operating in other parts of India, including Ramboll, A.P. Moller Maersk, and Novo-Nordisk. In the last decade, Denmark has invested more than $1 billion in India. Indian companies operating in Denmark include Tata Consultancy Services, ITC Infotech, Infosys Technologies and L&T Infotech.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2021