India advances grid standards and renewable transmission relief

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released draft Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid Regulations for 2026, replacing the 2007 rules with a technology‑neutral framework. The draft expands coverage to synchronous and asynchronous generators, hybrid plants, battery energy storage systems, pumped storage, HVDC and FACTS devices, as well as bulk consumers connected at 33 kV and above. It sets new requirements for inverter‑based resources, grid‑forming converters, low‑ and high‑voltage ride‑through, reactive power support and primary frequency response, and mandates a frequency operating range of 47.5 Hz to 52 Hz. Generating stations of 100 MW or more must accept remote dispatch instructions, while hydro units of 50 MW and above must operate in synchronous condenser mode. Battery projects of 50 MW and above must provide black‑start capability, and all covered facilities must meet cybersecurity, telemetry and communication standards.

Separately, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) approved a one‑time General Network Access (GNA) relaxation for renewable projects with letters of award issued between January 2019 and May 2025. The measure aims to unlock roughly 22 GW of blocked interstate transmission capacity, including about 6.35 GW hindered by planning issues. Developers can choose among four options: exit the state‑backed LoA and operate as merchant projects, replace the stalled LoA with a new PPA linked to another LoA, voluntarily surrender the GNA, or continue under existing regulations subject to penalties. The options include performance guarantees, revised commercial operation dates and provisions for reallocating released capacity.