Odisha's Push for Renewable Energy: New Regulations and Compliance Guidelines
Key Ideas
- Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) introduces new regulations to promote renewable energy procurement until 2029-30, focusing on Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance.
- Entities in Odisha can meet RPO targets through various options, including green hydrogen and green ammonia procurement, alongside other renewable sources like wind and hydro power.
- Stakeholders can submit comments on the regulations by September 13, 2024, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the policy-making process.
- The State Nodal Agency, GRIDCO, will monitor RPO compliance, accredit renewable projects, and publish regular summaries to enhance accountability and transparency in the sector.
The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has proposed new regulations, titled the “Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (Procurement of Energy from Renewable Sources and its Compliance) Regulations, 2024”, to drive renewable energy procurement in the state until 2029-30. These regulations target obligated entities to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) by sourcing energy from renewable sources. The regulations cover a wide range of entities, including distribution licensees, consumers with captive projects, and coal/lignite-based thermal power stations.
Entities can fulfill their RPO through various means, including green hydrogen and green ammonia procurement. The regulations also address Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and wind power project eligibility. Compliance will be monitored closely, with a focus on kilowatt-hour measurements for renewable energy generation.
The regulations introduce the concept of the Hydro Renewable Energy Component, exclusive to Hydro Power Projects (HPPs) commissioned after March 31, 2024. It also allows for renewable energy procurement from projects outside India with central government approval.
The State Nodal Agency, GRIDCO, will play a crucial role in accrediting and monitoring renewable projects, ensuring RPO compliance, and estimating future renewable energy requirements. Stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback on the regulations until September 13, 2024, fostering transparency and stakeholder engagement in the policy implementation process.