The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reversed its previous decision to grant a 30-day extension for the commissioning of renewable energy projects located in the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) area, where the delay was due to incomplete transmission infrastructure. The Ministry now emphasizes that project decisions should be based on their individual merits, and any extension granted will be for the necessary period only.
In February of last year, the MNRE had announced that renewable energy projects in the GIB priority or potential territory would receive a 30-day extension after the Supreme Court’s judgment. However, the recent decision clarifies that developers without secured land in the GIB area cannot claim to be affected by the issue.
To be eligible for an extension, developers must have applied to the three-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court for clearance of the transmission line. A 15-day grace period has been provided for developers to apply for an extension with the committee. In case developers have valid reasons for not applying to the committee, they should instead seek an extension from the MNRE.
Developers who have already applied for clearance to the committee will be given additional time by the implementing agencies to complete their projects. If an application is pending with the committee, no coercive actions will be taken against the developer, and an extension will be granted until the committee makes a decision.
In the event that the committee rejects a developer’s extension application, they can then approach the MNRE for a review of their case on its merits. The implementing agencies will be authorized to approach the committee on behalf of the developer to seek an extension to complete the project.
Overall, the MNRE’s latest directive emphasizes a case-by-case assessment of renewable energy projects in the GIB area and aims to ensure that extensions are granted only when deemed necessary and justified.
 has withdrawn its 30-day commissioning extension for renewable energy projects located in the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) area due to incomplete transmission infrastructure. This article explains the revised guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the process for seeking extensions, ensuring a case-by-case assessment for project completion.){kind=link}