CfP for Selection of Executing Agency for Preparation of DPRs for GH2 Hubs under NGHM – EQ

Summary:

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## **1. Context**

* Issued by the **Central Electricity Authority (CEA)** under the **Electricity Act, 2003**.
* This notification **amends the principal regulations** titled *“CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2023.”*
* The 2025 amendment aims to **streamline grid connectivity**, **simplify application procedures**, and **strengthen operational safety** for entities seeking access to the **Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)**.

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## **2. Key Highlights of the Amendment**

### **(a) Applicability**

* Applies to all **Generating Companies, Captive Plants, Bulk Consumers, Transmission Licensees, Renewable Energy Projects**, and **Energy Storage Systems (ESS)** seeking **connectivity or GNA (General Network Access)** to the ISTS.
* Also applicable to **aggregated hybrid projects** (RE + Storage) and **aggregators** providing collective access.

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### **(b) Revised Application Process**

* **Single-window digital submission system** introduced through **CTUIL’s web portal**.
* Applications to include:

* Technical specifications (voltage, capacity, control systems).
* Network configuration diagrams.
* Grid code compliance data (frequency range, ramp rate, fault ride-through).
* **Pre-feasibility checks** must now be completed by CTUIL within **30 days**.

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### **(c) Clarifications on GNA (General Network Access)**

* Entities may apply for **Firm GNA** or **Temporary GNA**:

* **Firm GNA:** Long-term access with committed capacity.
* **Temporary GNA:** Short-term or seasonal power transactions.
* Amendment introduces **provisions for partial curtailment** during congestion, based on predefined priority rules (RE and public utilities to get preferential treatment).

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### **(d) Renewable Energy & Storage Integration**

* New sub-clauses emphasize **hybrid and co-located RE + storage projects**:

* Such entities can **share common evacuation infrastructure**.
* ESS must provide **state-of-charge monitoring data** to SLDC/CTUIL in real time.
* Storage facilities must demonstrate **minimum round-trip efficiency ≥ 70%**.
* Hybrid systems must ensure **aggregate output** does not exceed approved capacity at any point.

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### **(e) Technical Requirements for Connectivity**

* Updated to include recent advances in grid technology:

* Mandatory **Reactive Power Compensation (RPC)** capability for all >10 MW projects.
* Updated **fault-ride-through (FRT)** parameters aligned with **CEA Grid Standards 2024**.
* **Cybersecurity compliance** (as per CEA’s 2025 cybersecurity protocol).
* Installation of **PMUs (Phasor Measurement Units)** for >100 MW ISTS-connected projects.

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### **(f) Performance Validation**

* CEA mandates **Pre-Commissioning Compliance Tests (PCCT)** before energization.
* Tests to cover:

* SCADA integration
* Grid synchronization
* Harmonics & voltage flicker
* Communication redundancy
* Results must be shared with CTUIL, RLDC, and CEA for approval before final connectivity is granted.

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### **(g) Curtailment & Priority Dispatch**

* Introduces clear **hierarchy for curtailment**:

1. Non-firm bilateral transactions
2. Short-term open access users
3. Long-term non-renewable sources
4. Renewable + storage systems (highest priority)
* Provides a **framework for compensatory payments** for renewable projects curtailed for grid security.

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### **(h) Timelines & Validity**

* Validity of grid connectivity approval extended from **2 years → 3 years**.
* Provisional connectivity can now be granted for **projects under construction**, subject to compliance with specified milestones.

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### **(i) Coordination Mechanism**

* Establishes **joint coordination committees** comprising representatives from:

* CEA
* CTUIL
* NLDC & RLDCs
* State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs)
* Committees to review grid readiness, congestion issues, and cross-border access quarterly.

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### **(j) Transitional Provisions**

* Projects already granted connectivity under 2023 regulations can **opt into new provisions voluntarily**.
* No retrospective penalty for existing projects.
* All new applications post **notification date (6th Oct 2025)** must comply with amended norms.

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## **3. Objective of the Amendment**

* To facilitate **faster integration of renewable and storage projects**.
* Enhance **grid reliability, transparency, and digitalization**.
* Ensure **harmonized procedures** between CEA, CTUIL, and CERC frameworks.

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