The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has introduced a procedural framework as per the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy – 2023 to facilitate the setup of Off-Grid Solar, Wind, and Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects with or without storage. This framework is designed for entities that are not connected to the State electricity grid but want to generate their own renewable energy for self-consumption.

The document addresses the growing demand for independent renewable energy systems and resolves challenges faced by entities that need to comply with the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) but lack access to grid-connected renewable energy.

Key Highlights of the Procedure

1. Provisional Registration: Developers of renewable energy (RE) projects must apply online through the GEDA portal: http://srtgeda.gujarat.gov.in.

• • Provisional registration fees:
    • ₹50,000 + GST for Wind and Hybrid Power Projects.
    • ₹10,000 + GST for Solar Power Projects.
  • Developers must submit details and documents as per Checklist-Annexure-VI.

2. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Before proceeding, developers need a certificate from the DISCOM (electricity distribution company) or GETCO (Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation) confirming the following:

• • No Grid Connection: The project location must not have any physical connection to the electricity grid. This ensures the project remains off-grid.
  • Ownership Verification: Confirms whether the project is set up as a captive power project (for self-use) or under a third-party sale arrangement (e.g., RESCO model).
  • Layout Approval: The layout plan must show power boundaries, storage facilities, and the route from the off-grid project to the consumption points.

Developers must also provide an undertaking (Annexure-II) stating that:

1. The project will not connect to the grid under any circumstances.
2. Any change in the project (e.g., converting from captive to third-party sale) must receive prior approval from DISCOM.

3. Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) Coordinate Verification: For wind and wind-solar hybrid projects, developers must get the coordinates of wind turbine locations verified by GEDA.

• • Verification charges: ₹1,000 + GST per location (non-refundable).

4. Development Permission / Final Registration: Once the NOC is obtained and the land is legally secured, developers must:

• • Apply to GEDA for Development Permission / Final Registration.
  • Submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and documents as per Annexure-VI.

5. Electrical Approvals: Developers must get approval for the electrical design and equipment from either:

• • Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) or
  • Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

6. Charging Approval: Before starting operations, developers need an inspection and approval for charging the electrical installations from Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) or Central Electricity Authority (CEA) as applicable.
7. Meter Sealing: DISCOM will seal the energy generation meter of the off-grid project. DISCOM will inform GEDA once the meter is sealed at the project site.
8. Project Commissioning: After applying for commissioning, GEDA will visit the project site to witness the commissioning process. Developers must use the prescribed commissioning request form (Annexure-V).
9. Certification by GEDA: After commissioning and verifying proof of land ownership, GEDA will issue a certificate for energy generation.
10. Monthly Generation Reporting:

• • Developers must submit monthly generation data certified by the CEI to GEDA.
  • This is important for entities meeting their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance.

11. Adherence to MNRE Guidelines: Projects must comply with guidelines issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):

• • For Wind Projects: Follow MNRE’s “Guidelines for Development of Onshore Wind Power Projects” (22 October 2016).
  • For Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects: The capacity of each resource (solar or wind) must align with MNRE’s “National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy” (14 May 2018).

12. Dispute Resolution: In case of disputes or confusion about the provisions, the Energy & Petrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat, has the final authority for interpretation.

Objectives of the Framework

1. • Support Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) Compliance – The policy helps isolated entities meet their RPO by enabling them to adopt off-grid renewable energy solutions.
   • Expand Renewable Energy Access – Provides a pathway for businesses and industries without grid connectivity to generate renewable energy independently.
   • Promote Renewable Integration – Encourages the use of diverse renewable energy technologies to enhance energy security and sustainability.

Impact

• By outlining clear steps and integrating the processes for solar, wind, and hybrid projects, developers can navigate approvals efficiently.
• Enables isolated entities to generate their own renewable energy, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
• Promotes the use of clean energy, contributing to Gujarat’s sustainability goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Encourages investments in off-grid renewable projects and increases the adoption of innovative energy solutions like hybrid and storage systems.
• Simplifies the process for entities to meet their RPO obligations without relying on grid-connected renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

The Gujarat Energy Development Agency has provided a comprehensive and structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide renewable energy developers. By addressing challenges like land approvals, technical verifications, and compliance with regulatory norms, this framework ensures a seamless process for setting up off-grid renewable energy projects. The initiative supports Gujarat’s vision of becoming a leader in renewable energy adoption while empowering industries and institutions to achieve energy independence.