Context:
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) successfully tested an indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System off the Muttom coast (Tamil Nadu).
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Scientific Development
- Developed by NIOT under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Aims to support offshore wind energy, cyclone tracking, and Blue Economy initiatives.
- Scientific Principle
- Based on Optical Remote Sensing using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
- Uses laser pulses and Doppler shift to measure wind characteristics.
- Key Functions
- Vertical Profiling: Measures wind speed up to 300 m above sea level.
- Real-time Monitoring: Tracks wind speed, turbulence, pressure.
- Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: Helps in climate modelling.
- Data Transmission: Sends real-time data via satellite/cellular telemetry.
- Significance / Applications
- Identifies optimal sites for offshore wind farms.
- Enhances cyclone prediction accuracy.
- Supports self-reliance in marine technologies.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- LiDAR: Uses laser light for distance and atmospheric measurement.
- Doppler Shift: Change in frequency used to determine motion.
- NIOT: Autonomous institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Offshore wind potential is key for India’s renewable energy targets.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Role in Renewable Energy:
- Supports India’s goal of energy transition and net-zero targets.
- Enables efficient deployment of offshore wind infrastructure.
- Disaster Management:
- Improves early warning systems for cyclones.
- Strengthens coastal resilience.
- Technological Significance:
- Promotes indigenous innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Reduces dependency on foreign technology and consultancy.
- Blue Economy Linkages:
- Facilitates sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Way Forward
- Scale deployment across India’s coastline.
- Integrate with IMD and disaster management systems.
- Encourage public-private collaboration in offshore energy.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Science & Technology – Remote sensing, renewable energy
• GS 3: Environment – Climate monitoring, disaster management