In March 2026, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), successfully tested an indigenously developed Floating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Buoy System off the coast of Muttom, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu (TN), marking a significant advancement in India’s ocean observation and renewable energy capabilities.
- It enhances weather forecasting, cyclone prediction, through improved atmospheric and oceanographic modelling and supports offshore wind energy through better modelling, assessment, and optimization of renewable energy generation.
About Floating LiDAR Buoy Technology:
Definition: A Floating LiDAR Buoy is an ocean-based device that uses LiDAR technology mounted on a floating platform to measure offshore wind speed and direction at various heights, providing accurate, continuous data even in deep-sea areas where traditional towers are not feasible.
Mechanism: LiDAR operates by emitting laser pulses that reflect off atmospheric particles to measure wind speed, direction, and movement, providing highly accurate data up to 300 metres (m) above sea level.
Platform: The buoy is a stable floating structure engineered to operate reliably in harsh marine environments while maintaining data accuracy.
Security: It enhances maritime situational awareness and operational readiness of the Indian Navy (IN) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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