India's CERC Amends Regulations to Encourage Renewable Energy Growth
Key Ideas
- The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) introduced the fourth amendment to its 2020 regulations, expanding eligibility for transmission charge waivers to include Renewable Energy Generation Systems (REGS) based on offshore wind.
- Waivers are now available for projects such as pumped hydro energy storage, offshore wind REGS, and battery energy storage systems that meet specific criteria, encouraging the growth of renewable energy in India.
- The amendments provide a 25-year waiver on transmission charges for certain projects securing contracts by specified dates, offering incentives for timely development and commercial operation in the renewable energy sector.
- CERC's initiatives aim to promote green projects like green hydrogen, green ammonia plants, and new hydropower projects, signaling a positive shift towards sustainable energy practices in the country.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in India has introduced the fourth amendment to its 2020 regulations to further incentivize the growth of renewable energy in the country. The latest amendment expands the eligibility for transmission charge waivers to include Renewable Energy Generation Systems (REGS) based on offshore wind, in addition to already covered sources like hydropower generation. Effective from October 9, 2024, the amendments provide waivers for projects like pumped hydro energy storage, offshore wind REGS, and battery energy storage systems meeting specific criteria. Projects securing contracts by designated dates can benefit from a 25-year waiver on transmission charges, with the aim of fostering timely development and commercial operation in the renewable energy sector. The waiver will commence from the commercial operation date of the energy storage system. The amendments also focus on promoting green projects such as green hydrogen, green ammonia plants, and new hydropower projects, reflecting a positive step towards sustainable energy practices. Furthermore, the amendments outline the methodology for calculating the waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for various projects, including those based on wind or solar sources, energy storage systems, and green hydrogen initiatives. These changes aim to encourage investments in renewable energy and enhance the country's transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. The CERC's efforts align with broader initiatives to optimize power systems and promote cost efficiency through activities like market coupling across energy exchanges and introducing new ancillary services markets.