Renewable energy producers look for policy changes from T.N. government

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Solar energy producers are looking for changes in a couple of key policy issues to boost renewable energy generation in Tamil Nadu. Networking charges, deemed demand charges and approvals for installation of the solar energy panels are some of the issues that needs attention, say the investors in solar energy sector.

Some of the projects, which were approved a couple of months ago and were almost ready for installation, were kept in abeyance. Hence, a section of investors moved the court and got a stay on the order on keeping the approvals for commissioning the project in abeyance. Resolution of the issue began after it was taken up with the Minister concerned. The projects are currently reviewed on a case-to-case basis and approved, according to sources.

Notably, a solar energy project goes through seven stages, from land acquisition to commissioning, and takes about three months. The entire process should be made seamless. Further, networking charges for rooftop solar energy generators are another major deterrent to solar investments. The charges should be removed, they added.

On deemed demand charges, the investors pointed out that it is a long-pending issue that was taken to the Supreme Court and the Apellate Tribunal for Electricity. The State government should give relief to investors in renewable energy sector. This will also encourage more companies to invest in renewable energy, they said.

The government should also encourage hybrid renewable energy generation projects. This will help the investors save on land investments and approval costs, they added.