Gujarat Issues Norms For Setting Up Off-Grid, Hybrid Projects

The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) recently released guidelines for setting up off-grid solar, wind, and wind-solar hybrid projects in Gujarat. These guidelines aim to streamline procedures for these projects, including storage registration. The Gujarat government introduced this policy in response to requests from renewable energy project developers and to address challenges they face in fulfilling their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).

The latest document from GEDA also aims to support entities without access to grid-connected renewable energy systems. The policy seeks to lay down a comprehensive Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) for Off-grid Wind and Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects. It also intends to support the previously introduced SOP for off-grid solar projects. 

The regulation laid down the following provisions:

WTG Coordinate Verification

The guideline mentioned, “For wind and hybrid projects, renewable energy developers in Gujarat can now apply online for pre-DP (Detailed Project) coordinate verification of Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) locations. This application can be submitted on GEDA’s renewable energy portal with a verification fee of ₹1,000 plus GST per WTG location, which is non-refundable. Developers are required to submit all necessary details and documents during the application process.”

Provisional Registration

For wind energy developers it stated, “Developers of wind, wind-solar hybrid, and solar projects can also apply for provisional registration through GEDA’s renewable energy portal at GEDA RE Portal. The provisional registration fee has been set at ₹50,000 plus GST for wind and hybrid power projects and ₹10,000 plus GST for solar power projects. These fees will be adjusted against the developer’s final registration fee, if applicable.”

Electrical Approvals

For gaining electric approval, the policy mentioned, “The developers can seek approval for electrical drawings and equipment for off-grid solar, wind, or hybrid projects (with or without storage) from the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) or the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). For charging electrical installations, developers need to obtain inspection and charging approval for the entire project, including peripherals, from CEI or CEA.”

Sealing Energy Generation Meters

GEDA also set clear guidelines and procedures for sealing energy generation meters for off-grid solar, wind, and hybrid projects with storage. It said, “The DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) are authorized to seal the energy generation meters at project sites and must notify GEDA once the process is completed.”

The guideline further added a fee structure for Wind & Hybrid and solar projects as given below:

As per the above-given fee structure, wind and solar hybrid projects up to 25 MW are required to pay ₹3 lakh, while projects above 100 MW must pay a minimum of ₹18 lakh. For solar projects, the fee is ₹13,000 for projects under 1 MW and ₹26,000 for projects of 1 MW and above.”