The Government of India has approved a proposal to declare the use of tidal and wave to generate electricity as renewable power.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy made the announcement recently, saying the recognition of the generation source will help boost the use of ocean energy in the country.

Tidal energy has the potential to generate as much as 12,455MW in locations within the Khambat and Kutch regions, according to the Ministry.

Wave energy can potentially generate approximately 40,000MW, with ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) estimated to be 180,000MW – subject, the government says, to “technological evolution”.

The Indian government has made increased efforts to build new renewable energy infrastructure in the country, and there have been mixed reports regarding the country achieving it’s 2030 climate change goals.

A statement by the government said it is exploring all possible avenues to stimulate innovation, boost job creation and economic growth and reduce the country’s carbon emissions.