New Delhi: Santosh Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), convened a significant monthly meeting with key Indian wind energy developers to address critical challenges and accelerate the nation’s clean energy growth on 30 May.
The discussions focused on vital topics impacting project timelines and the overall health of the wind energy sector, including the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver, regulatory hurdles, state-specific issues, delays in power evacuation, and pending infrastructure approvals.
The meeting provided a platform for an open dialogue, with participants exploring possible solutions to these persistent challenges. The ISTS waiver, which exempts renewable energy projects from transmission charges, was a prominent point of discussion.
The current waiver is set to expire for many projects by June 30, 2025, and developers are keenly anticipating an extension to maintain project viability. The potential cost impact of not extending the waiver, estimated at ₹0.40-₹0.50/kWh, could significantly affect solar projects bidding at lower tariffs.
Regulatory complexities and varying state-level policies were also highlighted as major impediments. Developers emphasized the need for a more streamlined and consistent regulatory framework to foster a stable investment environment. Delays in power evacuation, often due to insufficient grid capacity and transmission infrastructure, continue to hinder project commissioning. Right-of-way issues, land acquisition challenges, and protracted approval processes for infrastructure were cited as key factors contributing to project delays, some stretching for months or even years.
MNRE Secretary Shri Sarangi encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate closely to overcome these obstacles. He underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the wind energy sector and reaffirmed India’s ambition to achieve its clean energy targets. The proactive engagement from MNRE signals a concerted effort to resolve bottlenecks and ensure a robust pipeline of wind energy projects.
While specific outcomes of the meeting were not immediately released, the discussions are expected to inform future policy decisions aimed at de-risking wind energy investments and enhancing the pace of deployment.
The focus on collaborative problem-solving between the government and industry is crucial for India to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals and transition towards a greener future.