Renewable energy projects face CERC heat on project violations

Indian Power regulator the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) sent a warning to renewable power projects that persistent failures to meet technical standards could lead to disconnection from the grid. It mentioned that many solar and wind plants are repeatedly failing to comply with crucial low-voltage and high-voltage ride-through norms. These have led to destabilizing the grid during fault events, causing generation losses and frequency dips. These standards are essential, as they prevent projects from tripping offline during voltage spikes or dips, thereby stopping minor disturbances from escalating into major grid problems.

As India focusses on renewable energy to meet clean energy targets by 2030, such incidents cause growing concerns for the sector. Even mandatory self-audit reports have not been submitted by most despite repeated meeting and reminders (except in 2 cases, which showed full compliance). 

CERC directed Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre and the Central Transmission Utility of India to meet and devise a clear process for dealing with continued violations, up to and including disconnection, of non-compliant generators.

Our view: 

Climate change is one of the most critical issues faced globally. And when especially in India, we are fighting climate change, and trying to improve air and water quality and the environment overall through increased focus on renewable power, such non-compliance in meeting technical standards leading to generation losses, only serves to dent our image in the global world apart from creating problems for us. 

Meeting clean energy targets by 2030 may well become a distant dream for India as we come across this shocking case where slackness was seen on part of most generators as they continued to show non-compliance despite repeated meetings and reminders. It clearly shows their lack of seriousness and disregard towards India's mission, and should be dealt with firmly by regulators if India indeed wants to lead in this field.
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Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/india-power-regulator-warns-renewable-projects-of-disconnection-for-grid-violations/articleshow/125389432.cms?from=mdr