Tamil Nadu renewable energy: New battery storage rules proposed

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed new regulations for renewable energy projects in India, specifically targeting solar and wind plants commissioned after July 1, 2027. Under the draft rules, these projects must ensure that at least 15% of their inverters operate in a ‘grid-forming’ mode. Additionally, new ground-mounted solar and onshore wind projects will be required to include a minimum battery storage capacity equal to 10% of the plant’s installed capacity, capable of storing electricity for at least two hours.

Stricter requirements are planned for projects commissioned between July 1, 2029, and June 30, 2031, which will need to provide storage for at least four hours while maintaining the 10% capacity threshold. The CEA has opened these draft rules for public comment until October 4, 2026.

In Tamil Nadu, wind power generation saw a 3.31% increase between April and August 2026 compared to the previous year. While the season began with lower output in April, May, and June, a significant surge in July and August drove the total to 10,446 million units (MU). August recorded a state-level daily high of 142.43 MU, surpassing the previous record set in 2025.