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India-U.K. Offshore Wind Taskforce Launched With ₹7,453 Cr VGF; Non-Fossil Capacity Hits 272 GW

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
18 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:272 GW141 GW55 GW₹7,453 crore10 GW₹279/kg
Bodies:Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.India and the UK launched the 'India-U.K. Offshore Wind Taskforce' on February 18, 2026, to provide strategic leadership for India's offshore wind ecosystem.

2.India's installed non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 272 GW, comprising 141 GW solar and 55 GW wind, achieving 50% of total installed capacity five years ahead of its NDC target.

3.A Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of ₹7,453 crore (approx. £710 million) has been introduced, and transmission planning for 10 GW (5 GW each off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu) has been completed.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India and the UK launched a strategic taskforce to accelerate offshore wind development, a critical component for achieving India's 500 GW renewable target by 2030. This comes as India's installed non-fossil fuel capacity crosses 272 GW, achieving 50% of total capacity five years ahead of its NDC commitment. The taskforce will focus on ecosystem planning, supply chain development, and financing for projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Non-Fossil Capacity272 GW
Solar Capacity141 GW
Wind Capacity55 GW
VGF Outlay₹7,453 crore
Offshore Wind Target10 GW (initial)
Green H2 Price₹279/kg

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Non-Fossil Capacity: 272 GW
  • ›Solar Capacity: 141 GW
  • ›Target this Data: 272 GW (Non-fossil fuel capacity), ₹7,453 crore (VGF outlay), 50% (Share of non-fossil in total capacity)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: India-U.K. Vision 2035 (Strategic roadmap)

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The 'India-U.K. Offshore Wind Taskforce' was launched under the framework of which broader strategic agreement?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. India's installed non-fossil fuel capacity has crossed 250 GW, with solar contributing more than half of this capacity.

2. A Viability Gap Funding scheme with an outlay of approximately ₹7,500 crore has been introduced to support early offshore wind projects.

3. Transmission planning for an initial 15 GW offshore wind evacuation capacity, split between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, has been completed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the news, what is India's current installed wind energy capacity?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic role identified for offshore wind in India's energy transition, as per the news?

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