CERC Grants Crucial Extension To NREL For 1255 MW Khavda Solar Project Commissioning

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued an order that brings relief to NTPC Renewable Energy Limited by allowing additional time for the injection of infirm power for its large solar project at the Khavda Solar Park. The petition focused on the uncommissioned elements of the company’s 1,255 MW capacity being developed under Phase-II of the CPSU Scheme. These uncommissioned portions were located in Plot 2 and Plot 4 of the solar park, where the provisional approvals granted earlier for First Time Charging or Energization had expired. These approvals, issued by the Western Regional Load Despatch Centre, normally permit the injection of infirm power for a limited duration so that trial runs and testing can be completed before the project reaches commercial operation.

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited approached the Commission seeking an extension of the infirm power injection period up to January 31, 2026, for the 13 elements that were still under development. The company also asked the Commission to condone the delay in filing the petition, which was submitted one month after the specified regulatory deadline. In its submission, the company explained in detail why the project could not progress as planned. According to NREL, the main reason for the delay was the unusually heavy rainfall that occurred multiple times during the year. Heavy rain in May, June, July, and again in September 2025 caused flooding and widespread inundation across major parts of the project site. The area turned marshy and unsafe for the use of machinery, and posed challenges for manpower movement. The company stated that it could not carry out the construction work under such conditions.

In addition to the weather-related disruptions, the company pointed out that the project location was affected by increased regional tension near the Indo-Pak border. There was a sudden escalation in hostilities in early May 2025, and the authorities issued a blackout order and required the evacuation of the area. These events resulted in a complete stoppage of work during that time. The company emphasized that these circumstances were completely outside its control.

Despite all these difficulties, the company informed the Commission that it had managed to commission 14 elements of the project. Five elements in Plot 2 and nine elements in Plot 4 had already been completed. However, the remaining 13 elements still required more time to complete energization, testing, and other commissioning activities. During the hearing held on October 28, 2025, the counsel for NREL indicated that an extension until December 31, 2025, could be more appropriate than the earlier request for an extension up to the end of January 2026.

After considering the explanations and documents placed on record, the Commission concluded that the circumstances described were unavoidable and justified granting relief. The Commission invoked its “Power to Relax” to condone the delay in the filing of the petition. It noted that the renewable capacity was nearly ready, and it would not be appropriate to let the work remain incomplete because of events beyond the control of the generating company. The Commission decided to grant an extension for the interchange of power for a period of two months from the date of the order, which was issued on November 14, 2025. The Commission directed NTPC Renewable Energy Limited to complete all pending commissioning activities and to achieve commercial operation within this extended period.