Central Electricity Regulatory Commission liberalises Grid Access to green projects

With an objective of making available easier grid connectivity to hydro electric power stations and other generating stations, based on renewable sources of energy, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has liberalised grid access for such projects. While the threshold capacity (the minimum quantum of power needed) for connecting to inter-state grid will be 250 MW for thermal power stations, the threshold has been reduced to 50 MW for hydro electric generating stations and other generating stations using renewable sources of energy, a statement issued by CERC on Tuesday said. 

Another important regulatory change has been made to permit connectivity of inter-state grid to such hydro generating stations and renewable energy source based stations which have individually installed capacity of less than 50 MW, but approach the Central Transmission Utility (Powergrid) collectively with an aggregate installed capacity of 50 MW and above. "For example, two hydro generating stations having a capacity of 30 MW and 20 MW can collectively seek connectivity with inter-state grid at a single connection point if they mutually agree to undertake operational and commercial responsibilities through a lead generator, which can be one of these two generating stations," the statement explained. 

These changes have been made by CERC in view of the feedback received that state transmission utilities in many stations, particularly in north-eastern states, were not in a position to extend connectivity to their systems and this difficulty was hindering the development of hydro electric stations and renewable source based stations. 

To implement the above decisions, CERC has amended its grant of grid connectivity regulations. The amendment has been notified and is available on CERC website www.cercind.gov.in 

City-based Prayas energy group has welcomed the move. Ranjit Deshmukh, member, Prayas, said, "It will facilitate connection of relatively a very large number of renewable energy plants and renewable energy contracts leading to larger market competition. State power utilities will be able to buy renewable energy from other resources to fulfil their obligations of purchasing a certain quantum of renewable energy," he remarked.