Renewable Projects to Need Built-In Storage From 2027 Under Proposed CEA Norms
What Happened
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released draft amendments to the Technical Standards for Construction of Electric Plants and Electric Lines Regulations, 2026, proposing that ground-mounted solar and onshore wind projects commissioned from July 1, 2027 install a co-located Energy Storage System (ESS). The storage system must have a capacity equal to at least 10% of the plant's installed capacity and provide a minimum two-hour storage duration.
Key Takeaways
The proposal aims to improve grid stability as renewable energy capacity grows. The draft also requires at least 15% of inverters in new renewable plants to have grid-forming capability. For projects commissioned between July 2029 and June 2031, the storage duration requirement would increase from two hours to four hours, while maintaining the 10% capacity requirement. Stakeholders can submit comments on the draft until October 4, 2026.