Weekly Intelligence Brief

PRESS RELEASE: State of Gujarat plans first tidal energy project in Subcontinent

4 December 2009

Chief Minister Modi to commission feasibility study ahead of 100MW+ development

London, 30th November 2009: The Indian State of Gujarat, under the leadership of its Chief Minister, the Right Honourable Narendra Modi, has taken the first step in an ambitious plan to become a world-leader in tidal energy.  Having held talks with Chief Minister Modi, Atlantis Resources Corporation, an international marine energy developer, is set to conduct an economic and technical feasibility study of prime sites in the Gulfs of Kutch and Khambhat. 

The intention is to harness over 100MW of tidal energy in the State, requiring hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in tidal turbines and associated power export infrastructure and the creation of hundreds of local jobs. The development would represent the first ever tidal energy project in the Subcontinent.

Timothy Cornelius, CEO of Atlantis, said: “The Gulfs of Kutch and Khambhat are renown for their extreme daily tidal exchanges.  In harnessing this renewable energy, quickly and sustainably, Gujarat can become a world-leader in tidal energy.

“Chief Minister Modi has enabled the development of other renewable energies in the State, including plans for the world’s largest solar park.  I sincerely hope his commitment to the promotion of sustainable development and the adoption of renewable energy is a source of inspiration for other world leaders.”