CEA Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Renewable Projects

25 Oct 2023 CW Team

CEA Chairperson held a meeting with stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to address non-compliance with Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid Regulations. Compliance deadlines had been extended to September 30, 2023, to align with national renewable energy integration goals, but this posed challenges for several developers.

Conditional and provisional connectivity approvals were granted based on developers' commitments. Those unable to meet extended deadlines were expected to promptly communicate their difficulties and take appropriate measures.

The meeting also discussed Azure Power Maple, which sought an extension for installing a reactive power compensation device for its 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan.

Developers must transparently share their actions to meet regulations and fulfill commitments. Options, including requesting reduced connectivity capacity matching compliance capabilities, were discussed. While several developers, such as Tata Power and SBSR cleantech, reported full compliance, Azure Power Maple had yet to acquire the required devices to address reactive power requirements.

Grid-India disclosed that out of 20 renewable projects with provisional or conditional first-time charging approvals, 17 had complied, with two others in progress to meet reactive power compensation requirements. However, Azure Power Maple had not obtained the necessary devices to address reactive power needs.

In February, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission introduced new guidelines to supplement the Deviation Settlement Mechanism Regulations 2022, aiming to maintain grid security following grid frequency fluctuations. These regulations were implemented in December and specified measures to control frequency within the operational range.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has instructed 20 renewable energy projects, which previously received provisional or conditional connectivity approvals, to provide compliance reports. These reports should detail the capacity of non-compliance that needs to be curtailed or suspended until they fully meet regulatory requirements. CEA Chairperson held a meeting with stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to address non-compliance with Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid Regulations. Compliance deadlines had been extended to September 30, 2023, to align with national renewable energy integration goals, but this posed challenges for several developers. Conditional and provisional connectivity approvals were granted based on developers' commitments. Those unable to meet extended deadlines were expected to promptly communicate their difficulties and take appropriate measures. The meeting also discussed Azure Power Maple, which sought an extension for installing a reactive power compensation device for its 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan. Developers must transparently share their actions to meet regulations and fulfill commitments. Options, including requesting reduced connectivity capacity matching compliance capabilities, were discussed. While several developers, such as Tata Power and SBSR cleantech, reported full compliance, Azure Power Maple had yet to acquire the required devices to address reactive power requirements. Grid-India disclosed that out of 20 renewable projects with provisional or conditional first-time charging approvals, 17 had complied, with two others in progress to meet reactive power compensation requirements. However, Azure Power Maple had not obtained the necessary devices to address reactive power needs. In February, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission introduced new guidelines to supplement the Deviation Settlement Mechanism Regulations 2022, aiming to maintain grid security following grid frequency fluctuations. These regulations were implemented in December and specified measures to control frequency within the operational range.