CEA Mandates Real-Time Weather Stations for Large Solar and Wind Projects to Boost Grid Reliability – EQ
In Short : The Central Electricity Authority now requires all solar and wind projects above 1 MW to install on-site automatic weather stations (AWS) with 10 m masts. These must track irradiance, wind speed, temperature, and humidity in real time. Data must be sent every 15 minutes—every minute during extreme events—and stored for 180 days, supporting improved forecasting and grid integration.
In Detail : The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has introduced new regulations requiring all solar and wind power projects above 1 megawatt (MW) to install on-site automatic weather stations (AWS). This move is aimed at enhancing real-time monitoring of weather conditions to improve forecasting accuracy and power grid stability.
Each AWS must be equipped with a 10-meter mast and sensors capable of recording key meteorological parameters. These include solar irradiance, wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity levels. The stations will provide critical data that influence the performance of renewable energy assets.
The CEA mandates that this data be transmitted every 15 minutes under normal conditions. During extreme weather events, the reporting frequency must increase to once every minute. This real-time data flow is essential for timely adjustments in grid operations and power scheduling.
All data collected must be stored for a minimum of 180 days, ensuring there is sufficient historical information available for performance analysis and regulatory review. The regulation also requires the integration of this weather data with national and regional forecasting systems.
The implementation of AWS across renewable energy plants will help address challenges in energy forecasting, which is crucial for maintaining grid reliability as renewable penetration increases. Accurate weather data will also support better decision-making for power dispatch and outage management.
This mandate represents a significant step toward modernizing India’s renewable energy infrastructure. By enforcing stricter monitoring requirements, the government aims to enhance the operational efficiency, reliability, and safety of large-scale solar and wind projects across the country.
