Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) is planning to launch an online portal on October 1 to receive applications for new renewable energy projects in Tamil Nadu. The proposed portal will enable renewable energy developers and investors to submit project proposals and complete the application process digitally. TNGECL held an online meeting with renewable energy developers and investor associations to discuss the proposed portal and application procedure.
The proposed application procedure will have 10 stages. Developers or investors will first be required to submit basic project details, pay the application fee and furnish a security deposit. The proposed project will then be validated by the Superintending Engineer (Solar), with the validation expected to be completed within 10 days.
Developers will have to address any clarifications raised during the application process within 30 days. After a proposal is accepted, TNGECL will prepare a feasibility report. In the subsequent stages, developers will have up to six months to submit the required land-related documents.
The later stages of the proposed process will include statutory clearances and connectivity requirements. After obtaining the required clearances and completing the connectivity process, developers can commence construction of their renewable energy projects.
The proposed portal will cover connectivity applications for wind, solar and hybrid renewable energy projects, including projects integrated with battery energy storage systems (BESS). TNGECL is also targeting the addition of at least 1,500 MW of solar power capacity along with BESS by the end of the current financial year.
The proposed online application system comes alongside connectivity procedures prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) for renewable energy projects connected to the intra-state transmission system. The proposed process also includes requirements related to environmental and pollution-control clearances and a Unique ID issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Industry representatives have raised questions about the formats and timing of some of these requirements.
